#I'm getting paid to teach this idiot | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

haologram · 4 days

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how to be a latin lover ♡ h.js (m)

♡ synopsis: the dreadful semester has started — meaning your summer vacation has come to end, and so has your summer fling…or has it? ♡ genre: summer fling au ; big dummy dumb idiots to lovers ; ta x student dynamics. ♡ pairing: spanish ta!joshua hong x chaebol!fem!reader | side pairings: lee chan x jung haerim (weki meki) ; wen junhui x lee saerom (fromis_9) ♡ word count: 26.8k ♡ rating: 18+. minors do not interact, i beg. ♡ warnings: honestly, a little toxic if you squint. lots of pining. hella slow burn. lots of suggestive commentary but no smut because i'm ass at it (sorry if you wanted some, maybe during the lore drops for this fic later this year i'll add some) and very, very toxic mother-daughter dynamics [official warnings: joshua and y/n are absolute idiots. i’m talking the dumbest mfs you’ve ever encountered, you’ll want to scream at them through the screen.] ♡ what to listen to: otro atardecer - bad bunny, the marías ; get to you - mac ayres ; sky full of stars - coldplay ; brave enough - leehi ; qué locura enamorarme de ti - eddie santiago ♡ a/n: it's finally here! thank you to @camandemstudios for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful collab (and i promise hoshi will be out by next week!) thank you to @tomodachii , @wqnwoos and @highvern for betaing this stupid behemoth and telling me to stop being a little bitch (no one said that). hopefully i will see everyone soon with the hoshi version! thanks for reading!

Monday, August 29th.

Summer is over.

A sad fate deemed inescapable, despite your sunkissed glow and endless array of swimsuits begging you to stay on the beach – you were forced to return to reality after spending six weeks in Mexico, away from the shackles of your mother's constant nagging and the fall semester of impending doom. Your trip was all-expenses paid, of course – thanks to daddy's big, fat wallet.

You had no worries – your skin was clear, your hair was bouncy, your belly was full of delicious food as you pranced the streets of Puerto Vallarta with your best friend, Lee Saerom. Your father didn't even know he'd footed the bill for her, too. He didn't check the credit card report after you booked your trip – just nodded absentmindedly and waved you off, his voice echoing the walls of the office. "Have fun, honey."

Well? The fun you had…is now here to bite you in your sweet, sunkissed ass.

Summer flings have been your thing since you were eighteen – so since your parents finally let you out of their grasp to 'explore.' Whatever the hell that meant, you didn't know, but you gladly took the plane tickets and went off to wherever they sent you. One year, it was Greece, and your summer sweetheart grew a bit too obsessed with you – leading you to change your number and start using burner phones for vacations.

You covered all your tracks. You didn't even give this guy your social media accounts, you gave him your burner number…you didn't even tell him your last name. Yet, you are so undeniably screwed.

"Hello, everyone!" He scans the room as he takes a sip of his coffee, glancing at the door. "I'm unsure if you all received the email, but Professor Lee won't be in today." He's still scouring faces, taking in new ones and recognizing old ones. He hasn't seen you, and you're sure if you just sink a bit further down, he won't. "I'm Joshua Hong, and I'm Professor Lee's teaching assistant this year. She asked me to review the syllabus with you, in lieu of her absence." He taps the stack of papers on the large oak desk, clicking his tongue. "I'm gonna put the digital copy up on the projector, and you guys can just pick one of these up on your way out. Sounds good?" The class seemingly nods simultaneously, and you find yourself sliding down your chair as he walks to dim the lights. "That being said, welcome to Beginning Spanish Conversation! I took this course last year, and Professor Lee is super nice so you won't have to worry about getting into any scuffles with her."

He's speaking to himself as he connects everything, the home screen of his laptop popping onto the projector screen. It's him and two other guys dressed as the Powerpuff Girls. He giggles to himself before using the laser pointer. "Not that you guys care, but these are my friends." He points to the one dressed as Buttercup, tied to a moving dolly with a sour expression on his face.

"This is Jeonghan. He's another TA on the East Campus, and the secretary of my fraternity! If you ever see me off campus, I'm likely with him and this guy." He points at the one dressed as Bubbles with a tiara on, a guy you recognize but can't seem to place. "This is Seungcheol. He's President of Beta Tau Omega, in case you're wondering where you've probably seen him before." You freeze as he opens his Safari, hoping that comment wasn't directed at you. It opens to the syllabus, and you feel your lips twitch at how cute Professor Lee made it. There is a floral border surrounding the page, and he points the laser on the screen again.

"Okay, so. Again, I'm Joshua Hong and your professor is Lee Hyori. This is Beginning Spanish Conversation, so we'll be learning a lot of vocabulary and common phrases. Enough to get you by in case you're ever stranded in the middle of Guadalajara with no phone and no money." He smiles, and someone raises their hand in the front.

"Are you speaking from personal experience?" It's Jung Haerim, a girl from your World Cultures class last semester.

His smile only grows slightly wider as he shakes his head. "No, and yes. I got lost in Denmark. Copenhagen, to be exact, and I had to flirt my way onto the train. Not as fun as it sounds, trust me." He returns to the screen, carefully going over what the students could expect in the coming weeks. He reiterated that Professor Lee loves pop quizzes, so stay prepared. It was only then when he finally stopped speaking, flashing yet another award-winning smile.

"Any questions?"

Your hand is crawling to cover your face as people start asking questions, further prolonging your suffering – when you feel eyes on you. Peeking through your fingers, you see him peering at you over the rim of his tumbler. They hold a mischievous glint, and he casually continues answering questions.

Where are you from?

"Los Angeles. I moved here when I was about…nineteen? Yeah." You already knew this.

How was your summer?

"Pretty good, I spent eight weeks in Puerto Vallarta. I got back maybe three days ago, and only then did I find out I got this position." You knew this, too. He probably remembers you.

What's your major?

"I'm a Music major, with a minor in Jazz Studies." He told you this on your third night together, over an IPA and a shared basket of chips and salsa. You burned your tongue on your food that night, you couldn't taste for days.

Oh? Why that?

"I've always been passionate about it. Funny, I took Spanish to broaden my horizons for it. I'll hopefully be a producer after graduation."

Your impatience begins to show as you bounce your leg irritably, and it's almost like he can hear your thoughts. "Alright, alright. I'll literally be here every time you guys are, so save your questions about me. Or, find me after! We can hang, I'm usually at the frat anyway." He shrugs, gesturing to the pile of papers on the desk.

"Syllabus, take one!" His smile is bright as you scramble down the steps, snatching the piece of paper off the desk and just about sprint to the door. You can feel your cheeks heating in embarrassment as you barrel down the hallway, deciding to skip your next class in hopes of drowning in your shame.

You spot Saerom a few feet down the hall, smiling and talking to one of your other friends, Chan. He was rushing that stupid fraternity this year, so if your math was right – you wouldn't be able to avoid Joshua at all this year.

"Saerom, I'm so fucked." You call, and she immediately spins around, a look of discernment on her face.

"Y/N, what are you on about this time? The last time you said that, it was because you left your Dior lip oil in Morocco." She deadpans, and you scoff. "Maybe it's about her classes." Chan reminds her coolly, and you sigh as you slump your forehead against his chest, earning a pat on the back from him.

"For once, the twink is right." Groaning, you bury your face further into Chan's chest. "I've got to transfer out of Spanish, or the University. I cannot be on this campus."

Your words are muffled against Chan's shirt, earning a sigh from Saerom as she places her hands on your shoulders. "Get a grip, Y/N! It's the first day of your last year, it's not the end of the world. You will not see any of these people next semester, trust me."

She's not understanding the severity of your issue, and only when you hear someone stop behind you, do you attempt to explain. "Saerom, you're not listening–"

"Saerom, is that you?"

She looks up, her eyes lighting up as she gently gestures for you to hang on, pushing past to envelop whoever it was in a hug. You look over your shoulder, eyes wide as you see him looking down at your best friend.

"Shua! Oh my God, it's been so long! How's your mom?!" Shua. Oh, you feel sick.

Your breath hitches in your throat, before Chan's amused face comes into your line of vision as he drapes his arm over your shoulder – effectively hiding you from Joshua. "We'll let you guys catch up. See you later, Saerom?"

He tugs you away without getting an answer from her, and you almost make it out of the hall when you hear your name slip from Saerom's lips. "Oh, Y/N is my best friend! I'll have to introduce you sometime, you'd love her."

You barely catch Joshua's response as Chan makes a left out of the hall.

"I'm sure I will."

Friday, September 2nd.

"So…anything you want to tell me?"

Saerom is standing next to you, placing forks next to slices of cake. The two of you had missed three birthdays on your trip, and you'd invited said birthday buddies over for a celebratory movie night to make up for it. You'd bought a cake on your way home from your first Organic Chemistry lab, and Saerom had set up the apartment with the small gifts you'd brought back from Puerto Vallarta.

To your luck, Saerom had pulled you aside while you were cutting the cake to talk to you.

"Uh, no? I skipped Spanish today? I used the last of my face wash?"

She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms as she turns to face you. "You were never gonna tell me that you slept with someone this summer?"

"I don't know what you're talking about? Obviously, you knew I'd find someone."

You try to hold in the heat of embarrassment, but Saerom's like a dog with a bone. "Right, of course. How would I, your best friend, not know that you, my best friend, slept with a guy over the summer?" Soonyoung, Junhui and Nagyung were playing Mario Kart on your television, and couldn't hear the conversation being had in the kitchen. You felt your cheeks warm as you stared into the cake, a bit of chocolate frosting smeared on your knuckles. "Sae, it was just some random guy I met when you slept in. Why does this matter?" "It matters…" She huffs, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, and you give her a look of get on with it. "It matters because he's my cousin, Y/N."

Your grip on the spatula tightens. You can feel your stomach drop, eyes wide as you look back at her. "He's your what?"

"I'm not mad at you, if that's what you're thinking. I'd never be mad at you for that…even if it is weird for me." She says quietly, and sighs as you feel panic set into your skin. "I just…Why didn't you tell me? I transferred to this university for you, I tell you about all my hookups, and I had to find out through him that you guys were sleeping together for the last three weeks of our vacation?"

"How could I have possibly known the two of you were related? Better yet, why does it matter? It was just a stupid fling, Sae. I'm not trying to marry into your family, God." You mumble, placing the spatula in the sink and covering the rest of the cake with the plastic lid. "If it makes you feel any better, I didn't think it would come back to bite me in the ass." "It doesn't. I thought you already considered me family, Y/N. It seems I've been under the wrong impression for a while." Her eyes are cold as she moves the cake slices onto a tray, and you feel taken aback. "What the hell does that mean?" "What the hell did you mean? As if marrying into my family would be so fucking bad? We're a great family. We're loving, open, and honest. Nothing like you, it seems!"

You gape at her, before you feel a bit of anger claw at your throat. "Saerom, I didn't think I'd ever see him again! Of course I'm going to hope he doesn't expect anything more from me, because I can't handle that. I want a career, I want to own my parents' businesses after graduation. I can't let a guy tie me down, no matter who he is to my friends. You have to get that." Her eyes are hurt, contrary to the furious tug on her brows. She knows what you want out of life, she always had – at least, what you would let her believe. Your parents had expectations, and you, as their only daughter, had to fulfill everything. Taking over your father's companies, inheriting your mother's properties, continuing the bloodline. It was all on you.

God forbid a girl have a little fun on vacation.

"It's always about you and your career, isn't it?" She mutters, grabbing the tray and walking towards the living room. She stops in front of the doorway, looking over her shoulder. "I thought I could trust you, Y/N. It seems that being a Risk Analyst may not be my perfect fit, after all."

You kind of hate that this is happening.

No, scratch that. You hate that this is happening. You don't even really understand what just happened, or how Saerom could have possibly interpreted what you said as something bad. Despite these horrible circumstances, you knew that Joshua couldn't possibly be a bad guy. Granted, you'd skipped your Spanish class twice now, doing everything in your power to convince Chan to enroll into it so you wouldn't have to face Joshua alone. You even said you'd pay his stupid fraternity dues if he got in, no matter how bad you hated Beta Tau Omega.

Joshua was sweet on vacation, but everyone has their vacation persona, and their normal life characteristics. At home, you were serious, studious, and even slightly uptight.

On vacation, you were…flirtatious, unhinged, a bit wild. You took shots from strangers and stayed out in clubs and bars until the wee hours of the morning. You'd play games of chicken with cute guys, letting them kiss you in bathrooms and put their hands up your skirt.

Joshua did none of that, he didn't indulge your behavior. At least, not right off the bat.

He'd caught your eye at a restaurant, speaking perfect Spanish to the waitress. He looked…refreshing. Sweet, different from your past romances. He looked like someone you'd actually date, but you were on vacation and you weren't looking for a long-term, potentially long-distance boyfriend. A quick fuck, a cum-and-go, if you will.

You'd bought him a mimosa, ignoring his line of vision as you befriended a few girls you'd met at the pool of your hotel. Saerom decided to sleep in that morning, and almost every other time you managed to catch Joshua alone – she wasn't in your presence. Maybe that was the universe protecting the both of them, while scorning you.

He'd sent a glass of white wine to your table, also avoiding your gaze and continuing his breakfast conversation with his friends. Jeonghan and Seungcheol, now that you can put a name to the faces. You didn't bother then, it didn't matter.

Not until now, of course.

You remember walking past his table on your way to close out your check, slipping your name and burner number on a napkin. You remember his friends teasing him, even hearing one of them give a low whistle. You remember said burner phone buzzing in your pocket less than an hour later, and meeting up with him that night at a salsa club down the beach.

You also remember cuddling on a hammock with him, pointing out stars you'd memorized as a kid because you wanted to be an astronaut. You remember him kissing your fingertips as you talked about your life back home, leaving out details of where you lived, where you went to school and who your parents were. You remember his eyes scanning your face, lingering on your lips as you sighed, voicing your unhappiness.

You had truly opened up to a stranger faster than you had anyone else. Even Saerom didn't know you felt this way about your life. How could she? She was under the impression that you loved it, you loved feeling important, you loved the money your lifestyle was funded by. That you didn't care about your parents' emotional absence, and the overwhelming amount of nannies being rotated in and out of your childhood in place of them.

Some things are better left unsaid, you remind yourself. You have to remind yourself that this façade needs to be upheld. You have to make your parents proud. You have to.

Right?

You're still standing in the kitchen when Nagyung appears in the doorway, her voice soft as she calls out to you. "Y/N?" You jump, a hand to your chest as you look up. She apologizes, "Sorry! It's just…the movie is starting. Are you coming?" "Yeah, sorry. I'll be right there." You gesture at the mess of cake crumbs and frosting, and she gives you a quick smile before scurrying back to the living room. You turn to wash the spatula, your mind just reminiscing as you grab the soapy sponge.

"So you're going to take over your father's business?""Yeah, I'm an only child, so I don't have much of a choice. If I don't take it, it just goes to the highest bidder. In my mind, it wouldn't be the end of the world if that happened, I'd get to pursue my own path."

"If you think that, why are you taking it over? Why not tell your parents that you have dreams you want to pursue? I know it's easier said than done, but office jobs are not good for the soul in my opinion." He spoke confidently, his fingers twirling your hair.

"I'd be ungrateful, I'd be throwing away hundreds of properties and investors. I'd be throwing away this lavish life I live, funded by my father's money. I'd be throwing away a secure future…and I'd be letting them down."

You didn't want to be an astronaut anymore. You'd long let that dream go, along with an eight-year-old you that had posters of Yi Soyeon and constellations plastered all over your room. You remember your mother standing in the doorway of your bedroom when you got your first poster of a supernova, a glass of Merlot in her hand as she sighed. "You'll never be like them, you know? Going into space…eating peanut butter on crackers and floating. It's not possible." She had been right, anyway. You had put all of those posters up in your attic, along with your rocket models when you moved for college. The only thing you kept and brought with you to University was the orrery your last nanny gifted you for your fifteenth birthday. It sat pretty on your desk in your room, mocking your every move.

You were getting a business degree. You were majoring in Marketing. You're taking Spanish for the same reason Joshua did, to broaden your horizons, and make business boom. To feed the greed that festered in your parents, and give them what they want.

But…unbeknownst to them, you were also majoring in Physics. You wanted to give yourself the sliver of hope that they wouldn't actually want you to take over the firms, that you'd get to continue your education and get your doctorate. That you'd be a plasma physicist and watch everything happen in real time for space research, without having to leave Earth's surface.

Delusions, all of it.

"Welcome. You missed the first fifteen minutes." Soonyoung scoots over, offering you the lit joint between his fingers as you sigh. Taking it, you plop down on the couch cushion, your leg draped over the armrest. "Takes time to have a clean house, Hoshi." Saerom glances at you from her spot on the floor, her eyes unreadable as she blinks. She frowns slightly, returning her attention to the television. You can tell she feels uneasy about the entire situation. She's probably asking herself how she didn't catch on, or why she didn't ask.

And the truth is, you're kind of glad she didn't. Had she done so, you probably wouldn't have slept with him. You probably would've found out they were family and completely ghosted him, or at least told him that you were her friend. You would've let him down much more easily, instead of leaving Puerto Vallarta without saying goodbye and throwing your burner phone in the garbage at the airport.

Everything would have been different, you would have acted differently.

Nonetheless, you can't dwell on the past. You can't keep skipping Spanish, and you can't let your grades slip over some stupid summer hookup. What you can do is pretend it didn't happen. Pretend you've never seen him in the nude, pretend you don't know what his lips feel like. Pretend like he didn't affect you deeper than he did, because it wasn't just sex.

And you hate that it wasn't.

Monday, September 5th.

"You love me, Lee Chan!" You'd done it. You'd convinced him to join your class so you wouldn't be subjected to Joshua's nonexistent wrath alone. Seeing Chan leaning on the wall next to the door was a sight for sore eyes – even if he was trying to subtly flirt with Haerim.

"Y/N, you're going to scare the hoes!" He speaks through gritted teeth, allowing you to envelope him in a tight hug. "Ugh, you've saved me from a world of misery." "You're so needy." He mutters into your hair, making you pull away with a smug look on your face. "Well? Why is everyone out here?" "Professor Lee isn't here today. We're waiting for Joshua to get the door open." Haerim speaks as she locks her phone, shoving it into her pocket. She eyes you up and down, noticing the slight frown on your lips. "Why did you skip twice already? The semester just started." Grimacing, you make up a lie. "Prior commitments. Couldn't miss 'em." "Right…" She gives you a look of discernment before fishing her phone back out of her pocket. "I'm gonna skip, actually. You still have my number, right? Can you forward what you guys do today?" Upon seeing your nod, she gives you a lazy smile and worms her way through the crowd of students forming around the door. Everyone is whining and complaining, but you're now searching the hall to see if you can also make a run for it…

"Hey! So sorry, guys. Professor Lee just called me." A slightly disheveled Joshua appears behind a group of girls, holding up a set of keys. You look away, meeting eyes with Chan – who is squinting at Joshua as if he knew him. "Is that…Isn't he the Vice President of Beta Tau Omega?"nk

"Leave it up to one of my best friends to befriend the enemy." You scowl, before looping your arm in his to tug him into the classroom. The front few rows are already filling out, with Joshua regaining his composure at Professor Lee's desk. You and Chan make a beeline for the back of the classroom, taking the last two seats in the third row.

"I'm rushing this year, I need to know my higher ups." Chan whispers back, and the two of you whip your heads towards the front of the room at the sound of Joshua clearing his throat. "Sorry again, everyone. Unfortunately, a late start will be followed by a quiz." He winces as a collective groan follows his announcement, and you feel your stomach flip. You don't know enough Spanish to pass this class by the seat of your pants. You barely retained how to introduce yourself from high school. "Don't worry, since this is the first quiz of the semester, I'll go easy on you. Just some general conjugation, and it's to see where you fall on the scale." Joshua speaks confidently as he walks around the room, handing stacks of the quiz to the first person in the row. You feel your eyes glued to the floor as he holds the stack out for you to take, and you hate how your hand shakes as you do so.

What you hate even more?

"Nice to see you in class, Miss Y/N." He whispers, before crossing his arms behind his back and walking down the steps. Chan snickers next to you, earning a smack. "Not funny!" You grit, whacking him again with the stack of quizzes.

"Once you are done with your quiz, I will grade it. You may then leave for the day, because I really do not have the energy to think of anything else to be done." He's rubbing his temples, and you hear a few people sigh in relief.

"Easy money." Chan whispers to himself, before clicking his pen and beginning the quiz. You glance down at it, your lip tucked behind your teeth. The quiz seems standard – a few conjugations, a few multiple choice. One short answer at the bottom, asking you to describe what you did over the summer in Spanish.

"Fuck." You mumble.

You can't lie to yourself, you probably fucked yourself over by skipping those last two classes. They probably reviewed, took notes. Maybe even engaged in actual conversation with each other, with Professor Lee…with Joshua.

Nonetheless, you feel your skin crawl when you notice that you've spent so much time agonizing over this, that you're one of the last students left. Chan finished at some point and you didn't notice, because now he's waiting by the door for you. You feel your throat tighten, forcing you to zero in and just scribble an answer at the bottom of your quiz.

Grabbing your backpack, you fling it over your shoulder before trekking the steps, noticing Joshua giving you a warm smile.

"Miss Y/N." He greets, taking your paper. You give him a tight nod, before spinning on your heel to leave. You're barely two steps in the right direction when you hear him again. "Ah, ah, ah! We need to speak, Miss Y/N. Turn around." You're semi-grateful that the classroom is nearly empty, because you know you look embarrassed as you turn back around. "Yes, sir?" His smile drops as you stand in front of him, and he taps his pen on your quiz. "You missed two classes consecutively. Per the syllabus, you can only miss six classes per semester, and we don't accept late work. You can't excel in this course if you're not physically here, you know." He's not being a douche. You know he's not, but you can't help and slightly bristle.

"I had other matters to attend to, sir. I'll be on time for the remainder of the semester."

This doesn't seem to satisfy him, and his brows furrow slightly before he shakes his head, sighing. He turns your quiz over, the capital C minus grade in red ink.

"I know you don't want to be here, it's clear in your attitude. However, if you intend to pass this class, you have to show up. My tutoring hours are on the syllabus, revisit them and send me an email when you get a chance so we can get you back on track."

Your mouth opens slightly, and Joshua gives you a rather stern look. "Don't. I'm trying to help you." "Yes, sir." You mutter. He tilts his head towards the door. "You can leave." Huffing, you storm out of the room and nearly shove Chan out of the way when you reach the door. "Woah, hey! Don't kill me, Y/N!" He grabs your elbow, and you groan loudly. "Dude, what's your deal?" Chan asks, taking hold of both your shoulders as the two of you round the corner out of the hallway.

"My deal, Chan, is that I fucking slept with the TA over the summer! That's my deal, dude!" You throw your arms up in exasperation, and a lightbulb seems to go off in Chan's head as his mouth forms an O-shape. You lean against the brick wall of the building, slowly sliding down and covering your face with your hands.

"You..fucked Joshua Hong." He speaks, and you let out another groan, similar to that of a goat. "Yes, Chan. I fucked Joshua Hong in Puerto Vallarta in a random villa on the beach." "Spare me the details, will you?" He grimaces, running a hand through his hair. He squats next to you, making you look up at him with his hand. He gives your look of defeat a laugh, a concerned smile remaining on his lips as he touches his head to yours. "Don't worry, Y/N. He won't be anything but professional, I promise you."

"How do you know?" You whine, Chan's smile of concern turning into one of reassurance. "He clearly takes his job seriously, and he could've told the entire frat by now. Joshua Hong banged the biggest chaebol on campus, Kang Y/N. Crazy." You can tell he's trying to make you feel better, but you already knew Joshua wasn't the type to kiss and tell. Tell anyone other than Saerom, of course – but the two of you didn't speak much over the weekend so you felt a bit down in the dumps anyway. You didn't have dinner together or even go on a morning coffee run like you usually did – choosing to rot in your own rooms until hunger forced you out.

"He's Saerom's cousin, Channie." You pout, allowing him to tug you up off the wall and fling his arm over your shoulders. He sighs, resting his head against yours before he speaks. "Well, it can't get any worse than this, can it?"

– ☆ –

You scribble a reminder on a sticky note to kill Lee Chan for his earlier words – it has gotten worse.

You had forced yourself to review the syllabus upon returning home, especially after your Organic Chemistry professor informed everyone twenty minutes before class started that it was canceled. You then forced yourself to type out a concise and polite email to Joshua Hong, and you forced yourself to press send.

Ten minutes later, you forced yourself to read his reply.

And now, fifteen minutes after reading it, you were parked in the lot, your head resting against your steering wheel as you repeated some positive affirmations. "I can do this, I can do this. He's gonna be professional, I'm going to fix my hours, and I'll be on my way home."

Hopping out, you make sure to press your keyfob twice to hear it lock. Breathing in deeply, you made your way towards the hallway, seeing a few stragglers still on campus. It was nearly six in the evening, so they were probably also in office hours. Seeing the small office come into view, you stare at the names on the bronze plaques. Wow, you think. How important.

Kim Namjoon…WED. 3PM-7PM.

Jennie Kim…THURS. 4PM-8PM

Joshua Hong…MON/TUES/FRI. 2PM-6PM

Jeon Soyeon…MON-FRI. 10AM-1PM, OCHEM II ONLY.

Sighing, you grabbed the doorknob and twisted, pushing it open to reveal Joshua speaking on the phone. His eyes dart to you, a hand to his chest before gesturing to the table in the corner. You roll your eyes, before shutting the door and flipping the sign that reads In Session.

"Yes ma'am…mhm…I will get that done." Joshua is pinching the bridge of his nose, making you snort to yourself as you sink into the surprisingly comfortable chair in the corner of the room. You set your backpack on the floor, pulling your laptop out and a notepad. Clicking a pen, you fold your hands in your lap, waiting for him to finish.

"Yes, I will see you on Monday, Professor. Alright, take care." He hangs up, taking a moment to process. He blinks twice, before shaking it off and opening one of the drawers. "Good to see you, Miss Y/N. This is the review that you missed on Wednesday, and you missed an oral introduction on Friday." Standing, he holds up a packet. "This is just verb conjugation. I was originally going to use this for extra credit, but seeing as you got the highest grade out of anyone in the morning session, I think it's safe to say you probably won't need it." You're silent as he hands it to you.

"You will have to make up for lost time here, so you can stay for…an hour today, and then you can make up the other two on Friday." He's checking the calendar by the door, taking a pen from his pocket to write it in. "Sounds good?" You don't answer, just nodding your head. He raises his brow at you, "Cat got your tongue?" Grimacing, you glance up at him. "Sounds fine, sir." He smiles a bit, before clicking his tongue. "Actually, just take it. You can go, Miss Y/N."

He walks to the desk, shutting his laptop. Confused, you look at him. "You want me to go?" "I don't want you to be anywhere you don't want to be, even if it's for your own benefit. You can leave." He nods, sliding his laptop into his bag, zipping it up and hiking it over his shoulder. "I have a prior commitment I can't miss, so consider this a favor." Snorting, you just shake your head as you put your things away. "I don't need any favors from you." You mutter to yourself, and Joshua smiles brightly as he holds the door open for you. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Miss Y/N. Have a good night." "You too." You grumble, pushing past him to see Jeonghan and Seungcheol leaning against the wall. Seungcheol is holding an extra cup in his hand, and Joshua just lets out a sigh before greeting them warmly. Unfortunately, they're walking in the same direction as you, so you reach into your hoodie pocket for your headphones – but not before you hear a low whistle. "She looks familiar."

You just shove your other hand in your pocket, wondering if they'll keep talking. Does the other one remember you? Do they know you slept with Joshua? Did he tell them? "It's funny to think you'd remember anyone, when you're one of the biggest whores on campus." One of them speaks, and you can hear Joshua laugh lightly. "She's my student, so shut up. Anyway, how'd things go with the new OChem professor? I heard he's a mess, canceling classes back to back." You decide to tune them out as you reach the end of the hallway, not wanting to entertain them as the parking lot comes into view. You can see from where you're standing that there is a ticket stuck under your windshield wiper, and you groan. "Son of a bitch."

Jogging over, you take it off and see that it's not actually a ticket, but a note from someone saying they hit your car. Gasping, you round your car and see a huge dent in your bumper, black paint scraped off and your tail light broken. "Motherfucker!"

You can hear the trio of men getting closer, hearing the beep of the car next to yours as it unlocks. Scowling to yourself, you take your phone out to call your father. He should know what to do..right? His assistant picks up on the second ring. "Kang Enterprises, Gyuri speaking."

Sighing, you speak to her for a moment. She tells you he's in a meeting, and can't come to the phone at the moment. It's nearly seven at this point, what could he possibly have a meeting about? She says she doesn't know, but that your mother is also at the office and she's available. You reluctantly agree to speak to her, leaning your forehead against your rear windshield.

"Y/N? Why are you calling?" She sounds disinterested in whatever matters you may have, and you feel Jeonghan skirt past you as he rounds to the driver's side. "Sorry," He mumbles, and you scoff before moving out of the way. He grimaces before hopping in, and you can hear Joshua speaking to Seungcheol as he also rounds to the driver's side.

"Hello, Mother. Someone hit the beamer–" You barely get the words out before she starts responding. Yelling, actually – and so loud you have to pull the phone away from your ear. Joshua is unfortunately hopping into the passenger seat, and he can see the look of defeat on your face. He gives you a sympathetic smile, and you frown before turning away.

You're still standing there as they pull out, but you've put her on speaker now. She's yelling about how irresponsible you are (and let's not forget you weren't the one who hit a car here) and that she can't believe you expect them to send you another. "I don't want another, I just want Daddy's advice on where to take it to get it fixed." "I don't care, Y/N. We'll get another one down there tomorrow. Just…be more responsible, will you?!"

She hangs up, and you tongue your cheek so as to not cry in frustration. You don't want to drive the car home in this condition, you could get pulled over and then it's worse. Pulling up your messages, you scour who you could call. Chan is at a stupid pledge thing, you're not speaking to Saerom. Sighing, you quickly shoot Soonyoung a text, before calling the local towing company. They towed Chan's car last year when the two of you accidentally swerved into a fire hydrant trying to teach Nagyung how to drive.

Msg From: Soonyoung 🐯

[7:01PM] tf you mean someone hit ur car

[7:01PM] your PARKED car??? i'm literally in the shower, y/n

[7:03PM] ok uhh i think jun is on his way, if you wanna wait for him? if not i can finish up here in like 10 mins

Great.

Wednesday, September 7th.

"Shua." You hear Haerim speak from the front of the room. Your mother had angrily called you last night and said Gyuri would be dropping off your replacement vehicle today, so you were anything but focused until you heard the nickname slip from her lips.

"Haerim." He speaks, not taking his attention away from the corkboard he's putting up on the wall. It has Polaroids of all the students in your class and a few others you don't recognize. They probably took those on the days you weren't here.

"If you don't mind me asking, are you single? My friend drops me off on her way to French with Professor Bae and she thinks you're cute." Haerim is very casual with her conversation, making Joshua laugh lightly as he turns, holding a few thumbtacks between his fingers. "I am single, but I am unfortunately not on the market. Sorry to your friend, Haerim." She shakes her head, about to speak when you hear another person pipe up – Kim Myungjun, a guy you hooked up with at a sorority stoplight party your sophomore year. "How come? Did you get your heart broken or something?" Joshua smiles gently, sticking another Polaroid onto the board. He sighs, before turning back to face the room. "Something like that. I met a girl over the summer. Didn't end very well."

You can't believe your ears, and you can feel your eyes narrow as Chan shifts uncomfortably in his seat. You're willing to ignore it, until you hear Myungjun speak up. "Man, don't let that deter you from finding your soulmate! Love is everywhere, if we let one person dictate our confidence, we give their opinion value. I read that somewhere." Joshua nods, his smile never wavering, when he meets your eyes. His head tilts to the side, but he speaks while looking at you anyway. "I dunno, man. Something about that girl…she was different." Chan coughs awkwardly next to you, and you welcome the distraction as you tear your angry eyes away from Joshua's mischievous ones. You pat Chan's back, offering him a sip of your water bottle when Joshua returns to his conversation with Haerim (and apparently, Myungjun.) "Anyway…yeah. I'm alright for now." You spend the rest of the class with your face hidden behind your hair, studying the stupid Quizlet link Joshua had sent out last night. Professor Lee would finally be in this Friday, and she was expecting all A's across the board that day. You watch the clock on your phone, willing time to go faster with your mind.

The moment the clock strikes noon, you're out of your seat – only to hear Joshua call after you.

"Chan, Y/N, if the two of you could hang back for just a second." He says, as the students shuffle out. You glance at Chan, who has an unsettled look on his face. The two of you take the steps down quietly, waiting for everyone to file out when Joshua holds up the pink Instax camera. "You guys weren't here for class photos, so I just wanted to get those out of the way. Professor Lee uses them to remember names." Chan engages quickly, and you feel your phone buzz in your pocket.

Msg From: Jang Gyuri (K. Ent.)

[12:05PM] Miss Y/N, I am outside with your new vehicle. It seems I am on the West Campus.

Shit.

The panicked look on your face doesn't go unnoticed by Chan, even as he's blinking away the effects of the camera flash. "Are you okay?" "Gyuri is here, and she has my keys." You respond, clicking away on your phone when Chan covers the screen, wiggling his eyebrows at you. "I'll get them for you! Please, please, please—" "You're only asking because you think she's pretty." You roll your eyes, and Chan flashes you a mischievous smile. "Correction, I think she's beautiful. C'mon, I literally do everything for you!" "Fine, fine. Only because you make me feel guilty." Chan beams at you as he hitches his bag over his shoulder, the both of you completely forgetting this meant you'd be alone with Joshua. He calls over his shoulder that he'll wait for you in your new car, making you snort.

"You can stand right here." Joshua points at the small piece of tape on the floor. You grimace, sliding your bag onto Professor Lee's desk and fixing your shirt. "Your necklace is twisted," He speaks again, and you feel around for it.

"Here…can I?" He sets the camera down, and you give him a rather sour look before agreeing. "Fine." "No need to act like this, Y/N." His breath is minty, and it's softly hitting your skin as he works the clasp to the back of your neck. Your grandmother gave you this necklace. He knows, you told him about it tipsy off a mango margarita.

"She got me this on my tenth birthday. I have never taken it off.""She believed in you.""What a shame, right?"

His fingers linger on the glittering pendant, before centering it on your blouse. "Ready?" "What did you mean by different?" You blurt, and his eyes widen as he reaches for the camera. "What?" "You said I…nevermind. Just take the picture, I have somewhere to be." You force a smile, and Joshua gives you a questioning look. He positions the camera, but sighs. "Too forced. Just relax, Y/N."

Huffing, you soften your face, letting your cheeks reach your eyes as you smile gently. "Much better." He whispers, taking the photo quickly. You blink a few times, before reaching for your bag. "And Y/N?" "What!?" You gripe, and he smiles. "Not everything is about you, pretty." Rolling your eyes at the slight lurch in your stomach. Pulling your bag over your shoulder, you stop as he huffs. "Wait, it came out wrong. Can you stand here again?"

He flicks the faulty picture onto the desk, and you quickly position yourself in front of him again. You clear your throat, smiling again as you move your hair to your face – when you see him smiling tenderly behind the camera. "Why are you looking at me like that?" "Hm?" He snaps the photo, taking it as it prints and covering it with his hand from the light. "Nothing, you look a lot nicer when you smile." You don't reply, waiting silently to see if the photo develops nicely. He doesn't speak either, before flipping the photo. You're smiling back at him, and he holds it up. "Satisfied?"

"Yeah, whatever." You shrug, and he nods. He hands you your bag, and gives you a warm look. "Have a good day, Y/N." You hesitate, but take your bag. "You too."

– ☆ –

"Hey, Shua."

He looks up to see Saerom standing in the doorway of his bedroom, her arms crossed as she drags the tip of her shoe against the hardwood.

"Hey! What are you doing here? And if you say you're here to see any of these perverts, I'm going to escort you out myself." She just laughs, shaking her head as she enters his bedroom. It's a bit larger than the others, and she flops onto his bed. "Why did you tell me you slept with Y/N?" Joshua chokes on his spit, coughing harshly in his desk chair. Saerom looks slightly amused as he regains his composure. "Just right out with it, huh?" "Well, she's my best friend. I don't know how I didn't know you were in Mexico, too. I literally watch your Instagram stories." Saerom pouts, and Joshua laughs. "Maybe because I like to live in the moment? I don't document every part of my life, Rom." "I mean, yeah, but still. And how did you guys even have time to meet? I was with her all the time." Saerom wails, making Joshua just shake his head. "She did mention she was on vacation with her best friend. She never mentioned your name, and we also hung out mostly at night. I'm assuming if you guys didn't share a room, you wouldn't have been able to notice, anyway." "We never share a room when we go on vacation together. We like our privacy." She rolls her eyes, and Joshua smiles knowingly. "I know, I was there with Cheol and Han, and I practically begged the front desk to get me one of the beach villas. I did not want to share a room with them, or whatever girl they managed to tag team."

"As your cousin, this is a weird conversation to have. As Y/N's friend, I feel awkward. We fought a bit, and I can't really talk to her knowing that you guys…did it."

"You're so…Okay." He snorts at her theatrics, before opening his laptop. He sees the photo he took of you in the corner of it, your smiling face peeking out at him. He shuts it quickly, having forgotten he took it with him. The photo developed after you left, so it's not like he lied.

"Anyway, she's such a cold person normally. It's hard to get in there." Saerom sighs, and he feels a pang in his chest. You'd opened up very quickly with him, but Saerom didn't know that – nor did she need to. "I guess it works, though, she can be personable when she wants to. Can't believe she wants to own that big ass company her father has. I'd cry myself to sleep if I had that much pressure on my shoulders." You're living such a double life and your best friend doesn't even know it. How can you hide those things from her? Do you fear being judged, or being seen as less than? Someone who can't handle the pressure of being the golden child, someone who can't hold a candle to her parents? Someone who disappoints.

"Yeah, me too."

Saerom keeps talking about you, but he can barely hear her. His phone is open in his lap, and he's staring at the message thread with your burner number.

Msg To: Y/N (PV)

[06/29] hey, this is joshua. [06/29] you left your number at my table.

Msg From: Y/N (PV)

[06/29] hi handsome ;) [06/29] are you free tonight?

He had been free.

He remembers the stupid white dress you wore when you met him at the salsa club. He remembers the confidence radiating off you when you asked the bartender for your drink. You made it evident you didn't need him, that you weren't looking for anything serious – but you slowly dropped the act. You let him in just a bit, you danced with him and you let him walk you down the beach to your hotel room.

You were the one who asked to sit on one of the hammocks on the beach. You were the one who asked him about himself, wondering what his own life was like. You encouraged him to dig deep and tell you his darkest secrets, assuring him you'd share your own as well.

Your life was much more intense than his. He was studying music, he was living it, breathing it, enjoying it. He wanted that, more than anything, and nothing was going to get in his way. But you…you wanted so much more than what you were told you could have.

You wanted to be more than your parents. You wanted to explore, you wanted to live. He remembers how sweet you were when he told you his dreams. how gentle you were when you voiced your opinion on them. He appreciated your honesty and your kindness, and he enjoyed your presence. You…were more than just the intimacy. More than just the makeout sessions you initiated, including that night in the hammock. More than the way you made him chase you just enough. About as much as one can for a vacation fling, anyway.

"...And she makes the best bolognese, Shua. You'd love it." Saerom sighs, making him nod quickly. "I'm sure." "Anyway, I gotta go. I was supposed to pick up dinner, so I can extend the olive branch." She chuckles, getting off the bed. "I'll see you around, Shua." "Bye, Rom. Be safe, let me know when you get home." "Will do." Saerom exits his room, closing the door behind her. He opens his laptop, fishing the photo of you out of the corner and shoving it into his wallet. He should feel weird about keeping it, but that means a perfectly good photo is going to waste! It'll be safe in his wallet.

Unlocking his laptop, he sighs as he sees his email pinging him.

From: [email protected]

Subject: Office Hours

Sent: 10:32PM

Hello. I hope this email finds you well.

I am not able to attend Friday's office hours. I will also not be able to attend office hours next week, as I have prior commitments I must tend to. I know it is rather unorthodox, but would you be available tomorrow? I do not have classes after 1PM and I frankly don't need a language class to tarnish my perfect record.

Let me know if this works for you. Thanks.

Best,

Kang Y/N

010-1230-1995

Thursday, September 8th.

From: [email protected]

RE:Subject: Office Hours

Sent: 11:21PM

Thank you for reaching out. I understand prior commitments can make attending office hours difficult.

I am not able to promise availability for Thursday. Jennie Kim has the office, she is the TA for Professor Lee Chaerin in French II. This being said, I can accommodate in two ways.

I can give you an assignment to be turned in on Friday. You will have to come by the classroom to retrieve it. Or, you can get a study room in the library and I can offer two hours of my time for your use. Please email me back before 10AM if the latter is your choice.

Best,

Joshua Hong

010-9999-8212

Bad idea, Y/N.

Very, very bad idea.

You should have gone to pick up the stupid assignment. You should have picked up the stupid, fat packet he was going to torture you with to make you regret being a douche to him despite basically making the guy fall in love with you over the summer.

Instead, you suffer here. You suffer inside these four walls, with a freshly showered Joshua Hong standing in the doorway, his friends bidding him goodbye. Jeonghan and Seungcheol peer in, their eyes twinkling with something devious – making Joshua roll his eyes as he shut the door with his foot.

"Sorry about that, they're nosey." He's holding a basketball under his arm, backpack hiked over his shoulder as he walks around the room to settle at the table.You haven't spoken yet, just eyeing him down. "Your hair is wet." "Damp, not wet." He corrects you, opening his bag for his sweatshirt. "It's freezing in here, Jesus Christ." "Maybe wear a proper shirt next time." You roll your eyes, opening your laptop to see the digitals you had developed from your vacation. Saerom took a lot of them – you drinking out of a fresh coconut, you wearing a pretty pink dress to the beach, you in a new swimsuit you bought specifically for the trip. There were photos of the two of you together – one a little girl took of you having a picnic on the beach, another of the two of you getting matching tattoos on your ankles.

And one you took of Joshua.

You were sitting on him, right after the two of you woke up in your hotel room. The photo was taken from an odd over-head angle, but his smile was wide and so natural. You were making him laugh, you remember.

"Come on, just one picture!"

"You literally just pinched my leg to wake me up, give me a second!""God forbid a girl wants to wake you up. Come on, I leave in two days!"

You'd lied, you left that night. You dumped your burner in the airport trashcan, not bothering to read the few texts he'd sent you only moments earlier to your arrival there. They were gone forever – and you hadn't felt guilty then, not really. You knew you'd miss him a bit, you knew yourself that much.

You wouldn't have missed him at all if you knew that you'd see him again…for sixteen consecutive weeks. And possibly for the rest of your time on this campus. And possibly, the rest of your life, since you were best friends with Saerom.

The pictures haunt you a bit, you notice.

You're staring at them in silence, feeling a bit of anxiety crawl up your throat when you hear Joshua clear his own. "I brought a few assignments, in case you don't want to do…this." He gestures to the room, and you just shake your head.

"Paying for the class, I might as well try and get along with you." You mutter, clicking your tongue when the photo of Joshua comes back into circulation. "I'm going to the vending machine, do you want anything?" You abruptly get up, grabbing your wallet out of your bag and stalking to the door. He looks up at you, a soft look in his eyes as he shakes his head. "I'm okay." Nodding, you retreat to the vending machine down the hall. You're staring at the ground as you walk, fully expecting to have an uneventful trip not even ten feet away.

However, it seems that even that can't go right for you.

"Hey. You're Y/N, right?" Your head snaps up, seeing Seungcheol and Jeonghan at the vending machine. Your eye twitches a bit, and you clear your throat before nodding. "And you are?" Jeonghan gives you a knowing look, but entertains you. "I'm Jeonghan. This is Seungcheol." With pursed lips, you nod. "Uh, nice to meet you. You guys are in…Beta Tau, right? My friend is rushing it." You stand awkwardly, and Jeonghan gives you a slight smirk. "Yeah? Good luck to your friend, Y/N.' "Yah, don't be like that. Did you want the vending machine? We're still deciding." Seungcheol tugs Jeonghan back a bit, and you quickly feed in your change, pressing the buttons to get what you want. In your frenzy, you get two bottles of jasmine tea.

"Say, Y/N. How was your summer?" Jeonghan asks gently, and you feel your shoulders tense before you glance over with a scowl. "Is it really on your mind that much? I fucked your friend, so what?" "Wow, no need to get so feisty! Kitty has claws." He smiles, elbowing Seungcheol, who just pinches the bridge of his nose. "Whatever, man. God forbid a girl has fun on her summer vacation." You turn on your heel, walking back down the corridor and hearing Seungcheol scold Jeonghan behind you. You nearly rip the handle off the door of the study room, seeing Joshua standing in front of the whiteboard with a textbook draped open in his hand. He looks back to see your furrowed brows, and the two teas in your hand.

"Are you alright?" "Did you have to tell all your friends that we slept together? Because I didn't tell anyone. I didn't even tell my best friend, you told her. I'd appreciate if you would stop ruining my fucking reputation." You slam the bottles on the table, and Joshua gives you a surprised look. "What the hell are you talking about, Y/N?" "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Joshua. Your stupid friend just cornered me at the vending machine, asking me all these stupid questions like he knows something about me. Newsflash! He doesn't, and neither do you!" You sit with a huff, and Joshua's ears are slightly red as he tongues his cheek. He glances down at the textbook in his hand, closing it and sliding it onto the table. You don't bother looking up at him, hearing the jingling of the door before he speaks. "Excuse me."

The door shuts behind him, and you look up to see that he didn't take any of his things. Meaning that he'd be back, after doing God knows what, and you'd have to deal with it. Sighing to yourself, you rub your temples, wondering how things got like this.

The semester just started. You didn't have time for this.

Silently, you begin to pack up your things. Your laptop goes in the designated slot, your extra tea gets packed snugly into the front pocket. You click your tongue, about to get up when the door opens and Joshua emerges with Jeonghan in tow, looking like a kicked puppy.

Your brows nearly reach your hairline as Jeonghan shuffles forward. Joshua gives him a hard look. "Apologize."

Sucking his teeth, Jeonghan gives you a once over before speaking quietly. "I'm sorry that my assumptions and behavior made you uncomfortable, and it won't happen again." The hand gripping your backpack loosens a bit, and Seungcheol pops up from behind Joshua with a sheepish look on his face. "I'm also sorry, Y/N. I know this is an odd situation for the two of you, and our instigation doesn't make it any better." Your jaw is a bit slack, and Jeonghan looks at Joshua. "Can I go now?" "Did you hear her accept your apology?" He asks, and Jeonghan sighs. "I guess not." Blinking, you just give Jeonghan a thumbs up. "You're…you're good, yeah. Uh, don't worry about it. You either, Seungcheol." You look over Joshua's shoulder to the older man, who smiles in response.

"We'll get going, then. We've got a party to plan." Seungcheol says warmly, and Jeonghan turns on his heel to exit the room. "I don't want to hear this shit from you guys again." Joshua mutters, all but slamming the door after them.

"You didn't have to do that." You mumble, and he looks at you with a scoff.

"Yes, I did. Whether we slept together or not is none of their business, and the only reason they know is because they were there. I don't need that being spread around campus or them being douchebags to you." He grabs the textbook again, uncapping the dry-erase marker before glancing at you. "Sit down, you've got me for two hours." You don't like the slight flutter in your stomach, or that your body involuntarily does as he says. You silently unpack your bag again, and he finishes writing example problems on the whiteboard. Feeling your stomach a bit uneasy, you uncap the tea to take a sip.

"Conjugation is very important. When I was grading your quiz, I noticed that was your biggest problem. I don't know how you got a B, really, when most of that quiz was conjugations, but I digress. Can you do these for me?" He holds out the marker, an expectant look in his eyes.

"Sure."

Friday, September 16th.

It'd been a little more than a week since you met with Joshua in the library.

And since the two of you officially acknowledged that you'd slept together. What you didn't know was, while he was having his own feelings about the history that weighed the two of you down, he wasn't going to force you to return his affections. In fact…he even felt a bit silly, liking you so much off of three weeks of getting the full experience of…well, you.

Better yet, he wasn't even going to tell you there are any residual feelings on his end. If he knew anything, it was you and your type. If he came off too strong – flowers, a date, chocolates and the like, he'd scare you off even more. You were skittish, like a deer, and he had to either slowly gain your trust…

Or irritate the living hell out of you every chance he got.

Subtle flirting, double entendres, maybe the occasional lingering look. He knew that if he wanted a chance, and man did he want it – he was going to have to work for it. No problem, though. You were definitely worth the wait.

"So, as you can see, the proper conjugation is hablar, not hablando." His laser pointer is steady at the bottom of the projector screen, and he looks up to see half of the class staring intently and the other half jotting down notes. You were neither of the two – your head was resting on Chan's shoulder, eyes low. He cleared his throat, your head jumping up and a wince crossing your features.

Joshua knew Chan was really no threat. The fraternity really liked him, and he was set to move in this weekend. According to Chan's Instagram story, you'd been at his dorm the night before helping him pack up. Saerom had also been there, and Soonyoung – another Beta Tau member. You had been holding a can of Red Bull and in one of the following videos, you were shotgunning another.

"Any questions?" He calls out, and Haerim shoots her hand up. "Yes, Haerim?" "Since this is a conversational class, how would we ask someone out? Or, for their number?"

The classroom fills with childish snickering, and Joshua just smiles as he shakes his head. "Well, I-" "I don't think this is an appropriate question, to be honest." Your voice is heard from the back of the classroom, and Haerim turns in her chair, a wicked smile crossing her lips as Joshua rounds the desk, perched on the edge of it. "And why not, Y/N?" She asks, and Joshua can see you shift uncomfortably in your chair.

"This is Beginner Spanish Conversation, not Coffee Meets Bagel. Flirt on your own time, at your own pace." You scoff, and Haerim's smile only grows wider. It's like she knows something about you, and Joshua notices you begin to bristle slightly. "Why are you so uptight about it, Y/N? It's just a question." "I'm paying for this class, as is everyone else. I think I'd like to appreciate my money's worth by learning something I'll actually use." "Alright, ladies. Honestly, Miss Y/N is partially correct. This is not Café y Rosquilla, but I do think that this is…a learning moment. Asking someone out does involve conversation, you know." Joshua attempts to diffuse, but he can see your subtle annoyance at his siding with Haerim. "So, for example, if I wanted to ask out…" He looks around the room, before a flash of diablerie crosses his eyes. "If I wanted to ask out Miss Y/N, I'd have to make conversation. I'd say…eres muy bonita." "Yeah?! What else?!" You hear Myungjun shout from the far left side of the room, and you can feel Chan's knee bumping yours. You scowl at him, earning a smile as he hides in his hoodie. "I'd say…" Joshua scans your face, and he knows you're probably embarrassed. Embarrassed, but enjoying his subtle attention. He pushes off the desk, pacing in front of the students. "Hm, I'd probably say I like her dress, or me gusta tu vestido."

He watches you cross your legs, tucking the extra fabric of your black dress under your thighs. "Okay, but how do you ask her out!?" Haerim interrupts excitedly, and Joshua is on the first step of the stairs before he catches your eyes again.

"You don't just ask someone out flat out like that. You build repertoire, you make conversation." He rolls his eyes playfully, and you think you're about to get off without any further embarrassment when you hear Chan speak up next to you. "How much repertoire can you even build at this point? Psychology says it only takes two minutes to decide if you like someone." Joshua sees you gape at Chan, before pinching his bicep. Chan pouts in your direction, rubbing his arm as Joshua holds back a laugh. "Psychology also says that there are five components to figuring out if we will have a crush on someone. Physical attraction, proximity, similarity, reciprocity and familiarity. Miss Y/N is very pretty, so physical attraction is checked off. Proximity is also checked, as we see each other three times a week for this class." "What about similarity?" Myungjun pipes up again, making you sink lower in your seat. Joshua is enjoying making you squirm a bit, and he steps up a few more. "Hm, I think that's something I'd have to figure out. Tell me, Miss Y/N, do you enjoy…long walks on the beach?" Your eyes are full of fire, and you'd be almost scary if he didn't notice the way your lip wanted to twitch into a smile. Haerim shouts for you to answer the question, making you send her a scornful look – and she just sticks her tongue out at you like a child. "I do…enjoy long walks on the beach."

"What a coincidence, so do I! Now, we have a similarity. Miss Y/N is familiar, because again, I do see her quite often. Now, it's about reciprocation. This is when you ask the question, this is when you try and make a move." "Shua, how do we make the move!?" Chan asks, and you kick his shin, about to tell him to shut up when Joshua finally reaches your row. He's looking you dead in the eyes, his hand gently wrapping around the edge of your desk. He leans forward, and you can hear the stupid woo-ing of your classmates. "Señorita Y/N, ¿le gustaría salir conmigo?"

Somehow, this all feels like some stupid romcom for the both of you. The class is egging you both on, and Chan is next to you with the most idiotic smile you'd ever seen. You huff, the class is now chanting for you to agree to said…"fake" date.

"No." You say quietly, and Joshua feigns pain. He holds his hand to his heart, a pained expression on his face. "You wound me, Miss Y/N."

He turns to the class, all of which are giving you the dirtiest look ever. "Now, now. This was just an example, don't look at her like that." He scolds, and the class turns back to face the front as he barrels down the steps, checking his watch.

"Shit, it's already ten past noon. You guys are free to go, and if any of you are taking Psych with Professor Seo Jungkwon, tell him I fulfilled his lecture for the day." This earns a laugh from the class, except you. You're angrily stuffing your laptop into your bag, the class eagerly exiting the room. Chan is holding your arm, apologizing most likely, but you don't seem like you want to hear any of it. By this point, Chan looks a bit like a kicked puppy as he quickly takes the steps down, with you following slowly behind him.

Chan is out the door by the time you make it to the last step, and the classroom is empty.

You arms are crossed as you approach the desk, where Joshua is quietly shutting down the projector. His eyes don't meet yours as he disconnects the machine from the wall, winding the cord up to tie together. "Y/N." He calls gently, and you huff angrily. He bites back a smile.

"Why do you insist on embarrassing me? The first week, it was you running your mouth to my best friend. Last week, you practically held Jeonghan at gunpoint to apologize to me. Today, it's putting me on blast in front of an entire classroom with people I will continue to see for the rest of the year."

"Oh? Was it embarrassing?" He's nonchalant as he looks up, tucking the wrapped cables behind the projector. Your eyes are narrowed, and it seems you've caught onto his little game. "Do you get off on this or something? Knowing you fucked one of your students?" "Hm, not necessarily. And none of what was done was done to embarrass you, per say. It's just decent honesty, and we both know you deserved an apology for Jeonghan's behavior." He states matter-of-factly, making you purse your lips. "What about your behavior? You asked me out in front of all these people!" You gesture to the empty room, and Joshua gives you a small smile. "And you rejected me in front of all of those people. The way I see it, it's a teaching moment."

He's on the same side of the desk as you now, resting against it as you complain. HIs smile seems to be getting under your skin, because you grab his shirt by the collar, pulling his face close to yours before you speak through gritted teeth. "Use someone else as your stupid guinea pig. I don't want to be with you, Hong." You're holding him so close, your lips just barely brushing his. He can't help but scan your face quickly, his hand reaching to brush a stray curl off your face. Your eyes follow his fingers, feeling them tuck the hair behind your ear before he swallows carefully. You can feel your stomach flip slightly as his hand drops, ghosting over your hip as he pushes off the desk, making you slightly stumble back. His fingers grab you gently, pulling you flush to him before his nose is touching yours. "Tell me you don't want me," He whispers, his breath hitting your lips making your lashes flutter closed as you press your lips to his. A whimper escapes his throat as he kisses you back, his grip tightening as your hand lets go of his shirt, your palm resting against his stomach as your other hand holds his waist. The kiss is slow but desperate, your tongue licking into his mouth in the way that drove him crazy over the summer.

He can't help himself, his hand moving to tangle in your hair, moving his lips down your jaw and exposed neck. A sharp inhale from you as he reaches one of the many sweet spots he'd discovered, a soft whine sounding in his ears making him feel dizzy as he nips at your skin. Pulling back, he holds your face close to his as he speaks again. "Tell me you don't want me, and we can stop this right now. I'll be nothing but professional for the rest of the semester."

He can tell that wasn't what you were expecting. Your eyes are wide and full of mixed emotions, but overall, they flash with a bit of fear. "I…" Your hands move to rest on his hips, a frown on your lips as you let go, and he does the same. His arms cross with an expectant look on his face, and you grimace.

"Stop embarrassing me in front of people, and if you don't have a good reason to talk to me or be near me, don't engage at all."

He gives you a nod, his smile reappearing as he reaches to wipe your lip gloss from his lips. "That being said, I'm guessing you will not be attending office hours tonight?" Huffing, you look away. "No. I have to help Chan move into the frat house with you and your hooligan friends."

"So I'll see you tonight anyway." He speaks with a grin, and you tongue your cheek. "Leave me alone, Joshua."

You spin on your heel, but his arm is on your elbow before you can walk away. He pulls you back, pulling you into a hug, pressing his lips to your hairline as you hesitantly wrap your arms around him. He speaks against your hair, "One more. For the road."

"Joshua." You groan, trying to hide the giddy feeling spreading in your stomach. He smiles at you, planting a kiss to the tip of your nose. "Just one, and I'll let you slam out of here like we were arguing."

You roll your eyes, but let him slot his lips with yours, the minty taste of him still lingering from the previous kiss. This one is much gentler, the warmth of his body against yours comforting as he pulls away with a chaste kiss. And another. And another.

"You said one." You grumble, swatting at his side to make him let you go. He smiles, his thumb coming to wipe at your lips. Your lipgloss is gone entirely, just glitter remaining. "Mmh. I'll see you later." "Whatever." You pull away from him, and he watches as you slam your way out of the classroom, a few students from your class still lingering in the hallway catching his eye. They look questioning, but he just shrugs as the door closes. He sighs as he looks around the empty lecture hall, a glimmer on the third step up calling his eyes.

Making his way towards the steps, he sees the gold plating of a seven-pointed star, a message engraved in the back.

For my brightest star, Y/N.

Picking it up, the diamonds mock him.

He feels slightly stupid to think this is fate, while knowing that once you realize it's gone, you'll be panicking. It seems nothing is really going right for you these days – your car being hit, fighting with Saerom, not being able to stand your ground against him…and now your necklace is 'gone'. He wants to be selfish and say it's because you're being a bit of a jerk to him.

So he'll believe that.

– ☆ –

"Chan! It's not here!"

Your hands feel disgustingly dry, having practically ripped apart every cardboard box you helped him pack. You'd managed to haul everything from his dorm to the fraternity house a few blocks down, having begged Saerom and Soonyoung to help you steal a flatbed from the construction majors. The three of you were helping Chan unpack a box of his underwear when you swiped your hair back from your neck, not feeling the chain of your necklace on your skin.

The four of you had stopped unpacking the moment you started panickedly patting yourself all over, and even standing up to shake off your shirt and hair. Now surrounded by a few of Chan's blankets, you were doing all but ripping up the carpet in the bedroom to find your cherished gift.

"It's not in the hallway! Going downstairs!" You hear Saerom call, and Chan is emerging from the bathroom with his flashlight on. "I swear you had it on when we fought earlier."

"Fuck, what if it fell off there?" You squeeze your eyes shut, trying to remember if you felt anything off after leaving the room. People stared at you as you barreled out of the language hall, you kissed Joshua…

You kissed Joshua.

"I'm pretty sure I had it on when I left! Remember, I even changed clothes when I got home so I wouldn't dirty my dress helping you move. I swear I felt it!"

At this point, you're shaking your hair out once more and Chan is throwing ripped cardboard into the hallway, hitting a passing Joshua. "Ouch!"

"Shit, sorry!" Chan winces, and Joshua scours the room, before his eyes land on you. Your hand is gently patting at your chest, where your necklace would usually sit as you shake out your sweater. He gives Chan a look, making him look back at you. Joshua glances at the cardboard boxes on the floor, and Chan gets the hint.

He clears his throat, garnering your anxious attention, "I'm going to take these down to recycling, and I'll check outside, okay? Just keep looking in here, it's gotta be somewhere."

Your eyes are slightly wild, and you just nod as you begin to shake Chan's blankets. A pair of underwear falls out, making you huff as Chan exits his room. Joshua leans on the doorframe, watching as you move around calculatedly. "What's got you so frantic?" You look over your shoulder, now squatted over a pile of shirts. "Why is it any of your business?"

He sucks his teeth, hands resting in his hoodie pocket. "Maybe I can help you? Ever think that I'm not out to get you like some sort of Boogeyman?" Your shoulders sag in defeat, and you just beckon him into the room. "Shut the door." You mutter, and he does just that before squatting in front of you, his ringed fingers splayed across the shirts in your hands.

"Shake these off."

"For?" He asks, but takes the first one and does as you ask. You feel a tear threaten to escape, but blink rapidly as he takes the next shirt. "Just do it." He does, but by the fifth shirt, he looks up at you. "You know…if you tell me what you're looking for, I may be able to help further." He says it like he knows something, and you just roll your eyes as you move onto the stack of Chan's sweatpants. "I lost my necklace, okay? I can't find it."

Stopping his movements, he smiles at you. "Hm, any idea where?" "No." You sigh, shaking off another pair of pants. A dollar bill floats out of the pocket, but neither of you bother to touch it as it floats down to the carpet. "I think you're wasting your time looking in here, actually." You look at Joshua, who is now moving to stand up. Scanning his face, your eyes narrow. "Where is it?" Stretching, he extends a hand to help you up. You scowl, getting up on your own as he shrugs. "Come on." He walks towards the door, flinging it open as two of the members run past with a basket full of eggs. "You better not be throwing those in here!" He barks, and their giggles only get louder as they barrel down the stairs.

He leads you to his bedroom, leaving the door ajar for you to close as you enter.

Your eyes scan the bedroom – it's very…serene. It's bigger than Chan's, and the bed is right under the window. There is sheet music pinned up to a corkboard above his desk, a few guitars propped up against the wall. His walls are covered in photos of him and his friends, and you spot one of him and Saerom as kids pinned higher on the wall than the rest. There is a small bookshelf, with a Bible and a few candles on top of it.

You're standing at the foot of this bed when you feel his hands on your neck, making you jump slightly. "Relax." He murmurs, the cool metal of your necklace making you shiver slightly.

"I found it on the steps in the classroom. Your clasp broke, so I took it to my friend in town. She's a jeweler, and she fixed it. I have the original clasp, in case you wanted to keep it." He holds up a plastic baggie, no bigger than the palm of his hand. You turn to look at him, your hand ghosting around for the star that hands in the middle of your chest.

"I should have texted, or emailed, at the very least. I just figured, I'd see you anyway—" "Thank you." You interrupt, your arms instinctively enveloping him into an embrace. You squeeze slightly, his own hands hovering over your back before touching you gently. "You're welcome." Without moving away, you speak into his sweater. "I'm sorry I've been such a douche to you lately."

He laughs a bit, his chest moving against your cheek. "Yeah…you have been. I'll send your parents an invoice for emotional damage." His fingers are rubbing circles in your back, and you hate that he knows you joke about your parents' emotional unavailability. Biting back a laugh, you push off him. Your hands linger at his sides, and he tilts his head.

"I meant what I said, you know." He states, and you glance up at him with a quizzical look on your face. "What?"

"That if you don't want to do…whatever this is, I'll leave you alone. I'll be professional for the rest of the semester." He gestures between the two of you. You don't look as taken aback as you did in the classroom, but a scoff does escape your lips as your arms fold across your chest.

"Okay? What does that have to do with now?" He steps a bit closer, making the back of your knees hit his bed. You sit out of instinct, watching as he runs his hand through his hair. He's so handsome.

"It has everything to do with you, and your general existence. Your best friend is my cousin. You're friends with Soonyoung, Jun and Chan, and they're all members of my fraternity. You're a student in a class I assist, we're going to be around each other no matter our feelings about each other." He's not really giving you an out of this conversation.

"I know you don't like that I told Saerom about what happened between us during the summer, and I want to apologize for telling her in the first place. It just slipped out, and I am sorry." He speaks sincerely, and you blink up at him before scooting slightly back on his bed, crossing your legs. He takes this as a sign to continue.

"I also want to say that what happened between us doesn't have to mean anything to you, at all." He shifts uncomfortably, making your eyes narrow. "I know it was just a fling, and I'm probably just confused about my feelings."

You hate the way tears prick at your eyes, before he spins his desk chair out, sitting down and leaning forward.

"I wanted to ask if you want to be transferred out. I have the transfer form ready, there is a spot in Professor Yoon Mirae's class. She said she'd gladly take you if that was the case." Your head snaps up at this, his eyes boring a hole into the pictures on the wall. "You…want to transfer me out?"

He stares at his fingers, toying with one of his rings as he replies. "I think it would be best for you. It only meets twice a week, and you'd probably get along better with Somin." He looks up at you, and you don't know what expression is on your face for him to immediately soften. "You don't want to?" "I think you…" You swallow thickly, scooting towards the edge of his bed, moving to stand up. "I think we need to forget that anything even happened between us." You whisper, and you can see hurt lace his eyes before he clears his throat, looking away from you as he nods. "Right." "I don't want to hurt you, Joshua." You fake confidence, noting the way he blinks rapidly, before standing up. "You're not hurting me, Y/N. We fucked over the summer. It's not like we dated."

You wince at his use of words. "Yeah, but–" HIs hand pushes the baggie with your clasp in it into your hand, "Don't worry about it, Y/N. I'll see you in class on Monday." Your fingers instinctively close around his, moving to squeeze his hand before he pulls it away. You stare up at him, feeling your face slightly burn in humiliation. You know that he's sensitive, and that the kiss earlier today probably meant a lot to him. Why is he acting like this? Like you didn't open up to him and tell him everything you couldn't even tell your best friend, like you didn't sleep with him for three weeks straight before leaving Puerto Vallarta.

You remember Chan's words…something something forming a crush in two minutes.

What can happen in three weeks?

"Was that all it was for you?" You ask gently, watching as he turns away from you. "I really don't want to have this conversation right now." He mumbles, pinching the bridge of his nose and walking towards the door. He tugs his hoodie off, the white muscle tank showing off his broad shoulders. Shoulders you dug your nails into that summer, and you can see the remaining faint lines from you trailing down his back.

"Was it just sex?" You ask again, and he sighs. "No. It wasn't."

He hangs the hoodie up on the hook behind the door, and you take a step to him. "Then why are you acting like this?" He turns to look at you, eyes wide with incredulity. "Me?! Why are you acting like this? For almost a month you couldn't keep your hands off me, you couldn't stop talking about hating your life here, and suddenly, through whatever force of the universe, we're both stuck in this life that you dread. Excuse me if my best effort isn't enough for you." Eyes narrowed, you can feel your stomach bubble with a bit of anger. "There's no way you're the same guy I fucked for three weeks, Joshua. We were on vacation in a foreign country. I was telling you everything about me because I wasn't worried about ever seeing you again." "No, you did that because you're a liar." He mutters, making you suddenly feel a lot smaller than usual. "I am the exact same person I was then, Y/N! I'm not like you, I can't just flip-flop between two personalities. I can't lie to everyone that I care about just because I'm too afraid to stand up to my parents. You're doing yourself a disservice."

He's breathing heavily, and you can feel the tears threatening to spill from your eyes. Your pride is stronger, though, and you let out a humorless laugh. "I'll see you on Monday."

You shove past him, throwing his door open and slipping out before you slam it with all your might. You see Jeonghan carrying a basket with Chan's name on it down the hall, his eyes wide as you storm past him.

"Are you o-" "Fuck off." You spit, not bothering to swing back into Chan's room for your stuff. Saerom could bring it home, or leave it there, you don't really care. All you really know is that this place has got to be the most suffocating you've ever felt.

Wednesday, October 12th.

It'd been almost a month since you'd last spoken to Joshua.

You weren't in class the following Monday, having instead driven out to one of your mother's properties. You stayed the weekend there, and only drove back in the middle of the night on Tuesday. Professor Lee emailed you, and so did Joshua – though his was very much a copy-paste email. You didn't seek him out, you didn't speak to him. He didn't even attempt to make eye contact, almost always being the first to exit the classroom. You didn't even really talk to Chan or Saerom since you'd helped him move into the frat house, and you could tell they were growing worried about you.

Especially Saerom, as she heard Wherever You Will Go by The Calling play through your speakers almost everyday since. You played this song the first time the two of you went on vacation together, you were nineteen and your grandmother had just passed away that past November.

You didn't have time to worry about their feelings, though, as you parked your car in the lot, Chan silently unbuckled his seatbelt. It was nine-forty-six in the morning, and the two of you sighed simultaneously. "Want to take the long way? We've got fifteen minutes." You check your watch, and Chan gives you a slight nod. "Sure." The long way was walking around the language building into the technology hall – and Chan decided now would be a good time to update you on how Jeonghan and Seungcheol had an ongoing prank war with Mingyu and Wonwoo. It apparently wasn't going to end this weekend, and the reason? Beta Tau Omega was notorious for holding the best Halloween ragers. They held the largest one every year, with the other frats on campus stumbling to be pre-game parties and sororities simply giving up and going to the parties instead of hosting. The problem here was sourcing – Seungcheol, Jeonghan and Joshua planned the party every year, including the random Jell-O wrestling and drinking contests. The liquor was never-ending, and the clean-up after was a mess (and at the hands of the newest members.)

This year, Mingyu insisted that he and Wonwoo could plan an even better party than the trio – hence, facing the wrath of practical jokesters Seungcheol and Jeonghan. Joshua insisted he wasn't involved in this, and would help either duo with the planning if necessary.

"Are you even listening?" You hear Chan snap his fingers in your face, and you blink at him. "Yeah, sorry. Planning?" He begins to speak again, allowing you to loop your arm with his and rest your head on his shoulder when you look up – and see Joshua leaning against the wall, twirling a strand of Baek Hyejin's hair. She was the Organic Chemistry TA, you got your labs graded by her. She was always very sweet.

You can feel eyes on you as you and Chan walk in lockstep down the stairs, and you see Joshua staring at you as Hyejin speaks to him. Nodding along as if he's listening, as if he cares. You scoff inwardly, shaking your head as you force your eyes forward, ignoring the sinking feeling in your stomach.

It doesn't even matter. You don't like Joshua, and you wouldn't date him, either. You had too much to lose.

Seeing as you drove down to one of the properties, you met with your mother, as well. Your Saturday was spent in your mother's office, designing a new building with her to place on one of her newest properties down south. "You're going to manage this one first. The other tenants don't know you yet, and you'll have to ease into getting them to like you."Your father wasn't around the entire weekend. Your mother sighed repeatedly over dinner, before ultimately abandoning her plate at the table and whisking herself away with a bottle of Merlot. You didn't ask many questions, but you do remember walking by her study before going to the guest bedroom and hearing her on the phone, presumably with her sister.

"I wonder when she's going to get married. He can't be some random guy…do you still keep in touch with the Mins? Maybe Yoongi is willing this time." You hadn't even graduated yet, and she was already trying to pawn you off. Your father had stated strictly that he didn't want you to marry until you were firmly situated within the companies he owned, and your mother constantly bickered against it. No one ever asked you what you wanted.

Not that it mattered, anyway.

"...And so, Mingyu had to wash flour out of all his bedsheets. I think we'll have to get a new washing machine." Chan sighs as the two of you turn into the language hall, and you grimace. "You probably will, that shit sticks like glue." "Yum, gluten patterns." Chan laughs as you shiver, walking into the classroom. Somehow, Joshua is already there, making your grip on Chan's arm tighten a bit. He gives you a concerned look, but allows you to pull him slightly closer to you as you climb the steps to your regular seats in the corner.

"Good morning, everyone!" Joshua calls with a smile, and you hear the majority return the greeting as you and Chan situate yourselves. Crossing your legs, you face forward to see Joshua holding up a three-page packet. "There is a quiz!" A collective groan echoes the room, and Joshua gives a sorry grin. "I know, I know. However, it is an open-note quiz! Feel free to use your notes, and there is no time limit, even if you go over the noon end of the class. Take your time, and you can leave right after you're done." The class just fills with murmurs as everyone begins fishing through their bags for their notebooks, but you made no effort to do so as Joshua began walking around to distribute the papers. He hands two to Chan, who passes you yours and you notice the way Joshua's eyes linger to Chan's jacket on your shoulders before going back down the steps.

"I'll be grading these tests over the next two days, and I'll submit your grades by Thursday night. That way, we can review on Friday and you can attend office hours later that day if you're not satisfied with your grade or just feel like you need a little more help. Sounds good?" He asks, and earns a resounding yes from the class.

Time seems to be dragging on as you carefully read and re-read every question, hoping that your lack of notes won't fuck you over. You remember Chan giving you shit last week for only taking notes on your laptop – and you probably should have listened to him when he told you. Why? Because now you're without notes and you're possibly a little more than screwed, you've only been studying for your other classes.

Your 'how hard can it be?' mindset was now biting you in the ass.

You glanced up to the clock, seeing that there was fifteen minutes to noon – and three students remained aside from you and Chan. Clearing his throat, Chan inched his notes closer to the edge of his desk, making you kick his foot to move them back. He huffed, closing the notebook and standing. He tucks it into his backpack before hiking it over his shoulder, whispering that he'd meet you at the cafe as you'd planned last night. You nod, blowing him a joking kiss before hearing Joshua clear his throat.

The two of you look up, seeing the assistant with a raised brow, beckoning Chan towards the front. Chan gives you a small smile, before making his way to the front. You can hear them whispering at each other, and another two students stand up. You can feel a bit of nervousness sinking into your stomach as the last student stands as well, her bag on her shoulder as she drops her test on Joshua's desk. They chat for a bit, and you hate how you can hear his smile.

"B plus, way to go, Jiwoo. Keep this up, you'll get an A on the final!" He cheers, and she gives him a thumbs up before prancing out of the room. You feel small in the giant room, and Joshua sighs as he leans back in his chair. His laptop is out, and you assume he's going to start inputting grades.

Instead, you hear soft music flowing from the laptop as he starts moving around, grabbing the broom from the corner of the room. "Let me know if it bothers you, I'll turn it down." He speaks, and you just wave him off without looking at him.

You're staring at the stupid question for five minutes before huffing, not knowing why the difference between the subjunctive and the indicative mood even matters for this class. (Yes, you do. You're just being stubborn because you don't know the answer and it bothers you.) "Having trouble?" Joshua calls from the front, a smile on his face as he texts someone back on this phone. Probably Hyejin.

Probably planning a stupid date at a stupid restaurant where they'll order stupid dishes. Probably staring at each other like idiots and liking each other so much that nothing seems to satisfy their carnal needs–

You stop scribbling on your paper, blinking at your sudden train of thought. Why do you even care? Why does it even matter who he's texting, and what he's doing after this? Why? "Y/N?" He calls gently, and you look up to see a worried look on his face. "You okay? Thinking kind of hard, aren't you?" You huff, grabbing your bag by the strap and slightly crumpling your paper as you grab it. Your anger seems to radiate off you as you rush down the steps, nearing the desk with a sour look on your face. "So much for taking my time, huh?" He gives you a small frown, holding his hand out for your quiz. "I wasn't rushing you, just asking if you're alright. Your face was scrunched for twenty minutes." You know it was. You can still feel the tension between your brows as you rub it gently, a pout on your lips as you hand him the paper. "Yeah, well…your job isn't to stare at me. See ya."

"Hmm, but I like staring at you." He hums, uncapping his pen with his teeth as you make your way to the door. "Have a good day, Y/N." You hate the sing-song of his voice.

– ☆ –

The cafe had been super packed, so you and Chan decided to take your drinks to go. Unfortunately, Saerom was holding a study group at the apartment, so your only option was Chan's room at the frat house. You begrudgingly let him try to cheer you up as you sulked up the stairs to his room, holding your drink as Chan carries your bag for you.

"You know, one of the brothers thought we were dating? They asked me after I left Spanish earlier." He ponders aloud, and you snort. "Yeah, I can see why. I do get…pretty affectionate." You reply sarcastically, taking his hand in yours for extra emphasis.

He rolls his eyes as the two of you reach the top floor, and he fishes his keys out as you continue to tease him. "I'd never date you, you're a snotty-nosed brat. I bet you don't even know how to kiss." He sticks his tongue out at you, making you gape.

"I may be a snotty-nosed brat, but I'm a great kisser. Not that you would know, you've never felt the touch of a woman." You bite back, making him gasp. "I have too felt the touch of a woman! You literally took my-" He cuts himself off, looking over your shoulder down the hallway. You furrow your brows, looking over to see Joshua whispering sweet nothings in Hyejin's ear as he hugs her, and her giggles as she brushes her nose against his.

"I'll see you later?" He mumbles, eyes low as he nearly kisses her. She giggles again, before placing her manicured nail on his chest. "Bye, Joshie." "Bye." He smiles, letting her spin out of his arms, watching as she walks down the hall to the stairs. Only then does he notice that you and Chan are standing there, and his face flushes lightly. "Hey, guys. Sorry you had to see that." "Don't be." Chan nods awkwardly, his hand finding your hip to pull you into his bedroom. You grimace in Joshua's direction, before skirting into Chan's room. Chan lingers at the door, before sighing, and entering his room.

"Don't be upset, Y/N." He murmurs as you kick your shoes off, setting your drink down on his desk and shrugging off his jacket. "I'm not upset." You mutter, grabbing your bookbag and pulling out your laptop.

"I can tell you are." He sighs, slipping his shirt over his head, and opening his drawer to reach for a new one. "He's just our TA for a little longer, then we'll both pass the class and get the hell out of there." You look over your shoulder as he pulls a new shirt over his head, rolling your eyes. "It doesn't matter. He's gonna fuck who he wants to, so all I can do is the same." "Y/N, I am only a man." He gives you a warning look, and you snort. "Not you, you rabid dog." "Hey! I've gotten better! I even invented a stroke, I call it the helicopter." He moves his hips in a circular motion, making you shriek out a laugh. "You're a fucking freak."

"I'm just saying, I'm available. If not, I heard that Myungjun is still into you." He shrugs, taking a sip of his drink. You wrinkle your nose, taking a seat on his bed. "Hell no. He likes to talk about his hookups, I don't like blabbermouths." "Then you're fucked, Y/N." He smiles, taking a seat at his desk. "But, I have a proposition." "Chan, if it involves your dick anywhere near me, I'm going to kill you." "You liked it the first time!" He throws an eraser at you, and you snicker. "I didn't know any better then. Anyway, I see the way you look at Haerim. You're not slick." You wag your finger at him, and he flushes lightly.

"So my plan is, I let you act a fool in here and make it seem like we're fucking, and you have to help me get Haerim. Tit for tat." He points his pen at you, and you scoff. "That is so not tit for tat! Haerim is a distinguished young woman, she'd never go for a gremlin like you." "Hurtful!?" He slumps in his chair, making you snicker. "I appreciate your help, Channie. But really, I don't care. It's his life." You shrug, and Chan knows you're lying. "I'm gonna get some water, I'll be back."

You hop off the bed, smoothing your skirt as you open the door. "Can I also steal snacks?" You ask, and Chan nods. "Go for it, Seungcheol buys them." He snorts, and you give him a grin as you close the door behind you.

You take a deep breath as you brace the stairs, hearing a few of the frat brothers speaking quietly in the den. Peering over the banister, you see a card game strewn on the coffee table, with Jeonghan, Seungcheol and Joshua holding cards. They're all dressed comfortably, and Seungcheol has an ice pack on his knee. He looks up, seeing you peering over the banister. He doesn't speak as you smile at him, only returning it as you continue down the steps. You make it back down to the first floor, giving them a curt nod as you walk past them into the kitchen. "Gentlemen." "M'Lady." Jeonghan replies without looking up, and you look over his shoulder to see that he's got a dirty deck of cards, and he's about to win. "Don't mind me." You skirt into the kitchen, grabbing two cups out of the cupboard and helping yourself to the ice machine. You mind your business as you move around, grabbing a bag of chips and a packet of Gushers, before you see a woven basket on the counter with an assorted amount of condoms. You grab a rope of them, holding it between your teeth as you tuck the chips under your arm and the glasses in your hands. You move back across the den, once more greeting the men. "Gentlemen."

Joshua looks up to see why your voice is different, seeing the blue foil packet reflecting the light. Seungcheol snorts, "Have fun, don't be too loud. Minghao is sleeping across the hall from you." "Will do, Cheol." You reply, carefully trekking the stairs. You can hear a soft Ow! What'd you do that for!? as you reach the top floor, hearing the front door slam. You put the cups down on the windowsill next to the stairs, and look over the banister to see Seungcheol and Jeonghan snickering. "Did he leave?" You call, and Jeonghan gives you a thumbs up. You rip the top condom off the thread before tossing down the rest. "Thank you, Beta Tau Sluts!"

"You're welcome!" Seungcheol calls back, catching the condoms before they land in his drink. You grab your drinks again, carefully opening the door with your elbow and Chan looks up to see you. You set the glasses down on his desk, holding up the condom between your fingers.

"Use this with a really special girl, I just pissed off the Vice President of your frat with it." You snicker, and Chan just shakes his head. "Get in here, idiot. We need to study, or OChem is going to eat us for breakfast." "Oh, me first!"

Friday, October 14th.

Joshua put in grades the night before, and you were one point shy of a B minus.

You pretend it doesn't bother you.

Chan was sick, so he'd texted you that morning asking to take notes for him. You took the opportunity to invite Haerim to sit with you – and talk him up. Luckily, there wasn't much talking to do – she already thought he was very cute, but didn't make a move because she thought the two of you were together. You were honest about the past between you, and she just snorted, admitting she'd done the same with a friend of hers.

Msg To: Channie ♡

[10:33AM] mission haerim x chan is a go! [10:33AM] i gave her ur number so…don't fumble.

"Hello, everybody." Joshua calls from the front, and you and Haerim snap your heads up. He starts setting up the projector after everyone replies to his greeting, and she glances at you. "I wonder who broke his heart over the summer." She sighs, and you nod.

"I don't think she meant to." You shrug, your heart warming a bit at the memories. You really regretted it, of course – and it bothered you that it didn't bother him more. You'd been spending a lot of your nights just thinking about it, about him, about opening up to him.

"Well, I hope he heals. She definitely messed up, I've heard he's an absolute sweetheart." She nods, and you smile tightly. "Yeah, he is. His cousin is my best friend. Saerom?" She nods again, "I have Psych with her." "Alright, we're reviewing today." He sighs, and you notice how tired he looks. Eyes are a little swollen. Maybe Hyejin dumped him.

You don't like the giddy feeling you get at that thought.

The review goes by quietly, with Joshua's voice growing more and more tired as he speaks, and he wraps the class up with almost thirty minutes to go. Students walk by and say they hope he feels better, and he just nods at them. You linger, telling Haerim you need to talk to Joshua about office hours, and she leaves without a second thought.

The door closes behind her, and you clear your throat.

"Sick?" You ask, holding out a bag of cough drops. You'd bought them that morning, after Saerom complained of sore throat. He glances at you, and the bag, before shaking his head. "I'm good." Frowning, you step closer to him as he puts his laptop in his bag. "Then what's wrong?" Your voice is gentle, and he stiffens at the sound of it. "Nothing is wrong, Y/N. Thank you for worrying, but I'm fine."

He looks up at you, his eyes lightly rimmed red. You go to speak, but he pulls his bag over his shoulder, moving away from you. "I'll be at the house today, Chan is sick. If you need to talk." You say, before spinning on your heel to leave.

He doesn't respond, only turning away with a frown. "Have a good day, Joshua." "You too, Y/N."

– ☆ –

You were standing in front of the Beta Tau house, waiting for someone to come open the door. Jun was at a study session with Saerom and Soonyoung was out teaching a class, so you were at the house alone. Hearing the doorknob jingle, you look up to see a sleepy Seungcheol opening the door.

"Hey, Y/N. Come in, Chan is in his room." He yawns as he opens the door wider, and you just shake your head in amusement. He and Jeonghan had stopped being a problem after Joshua called them out, and it wasn't long for you to figure out they were friendly based on their treatment of Chan. Very brotherly…very…teasing.

"Hey, Y/N." Jeonghan gives you a curt nod as he stands in front of the mirror by the stairs, giving himself a once over before turning to Seungcheol. "I look okay?" "Yeah." He nods, and you look at Jeonghan over your shoulder. There is a silver packet sticking out of his pocket, "Might wanna tuck that in a little further." You call, before turning back around and trekking the stairs.

"Thanks!" He calls, shoving his hand in his pocket with wide eyes. Seungcheol laughs as you reach the top, before you hear the door open and close with Jeonghan's departure. "Boys." You roll your eyes, before reaching Chan's door. You carefully open the door, trying not to let too much light in.

Chan is draped across his mattress, a fever patch plastered on his forehead. There are half empty bottles of electrolyte drinks all over the floor, and a bowl with Jeonghan's name printed across it. You look inside, seeing broth lingering.

They're taking care of him.

"Y/N?" You hear him croak, and you almost coo. "Oh, Chan. You're a mess." You set the bag of goodies down on his desk, fishing the thermometer out. "Open." You command, peeling the patch off his forehead and sticking the thermometer in his mouth.

You pick up a bit before the thermometer beeps, and you stare at the numbers. "Pretty mild, you've got a 101° fever." You grimace, shaking the thermometer off before skirting around to unpack the bag.

"I'm going downstairs to make you some tea, okay? I'll be right back." You mumble, before peeling the plastic off another fever patch and sticking it to the back of his neck. He shivers a bit, but nods as he closes his eyes.

Exiting the room just as carefully, you sigh. Taking the stairs quickly, you spot Seungcheol on the couch, "Hey." "Hey. He took some Advil a bit ago, and we've been alternating." He informs, and you can feel warmth spread across your chest. "Aw, you guys really care about the pipsqueak." "He's a good kid." Seungcheol nods, taking a sip of his water before eyeing the ginger root in your hand. "Cutting board is in the bottom cabinet, to the left." "Thanks." You smile, making your way to the kitchen. You see Joshua standing against the dishwasher, arms crossed and eyes closed. There is a popcorn bag in the microwave, likely his. You don't bother to say anything, just quietly opening the cabinet and retrieving the stone cutting board, rinsing it with water.

"He's also thrown up everything we've given him the past twelve hours." Joshua murmurs, his eyes still shut as he nods. "Oh. Sounds like viral gastroenteritis." You sigh, opening the drawer for a knife as the microwave beeps. He doesn't move towards it, but fills a pot with water for you and puts it on the stove. He watches silently as you slice up the ginger root, your shoulders tense.

The water starts to heat up, and you move to find a mug and honey. "Here." Joshua pulls one out from behind him, water droplets still on it from being freshly washed. You take it, "Thank you." "Can we talk when you're done? I'll be in my room." He murmurs, and you nod slowly. "Yeah, sure. I just need to feed him, something is something." He nods, opening the microwave to pull out the bag. He turns, opening a cabinet to retrieve a bowl and pour the popcorn in. He gives you a tired nod before exiting, and you peek around the corner to see him hand the bowl to Seungcheol, who thanks him quietly.

You sigh, forcing yourself to focus on the task at hand. You strain the boiled ginger tea, pouring it over three cubes of ice and a hefty amount of honey. You clean up quickly, and organize things in the kitchen before exiting again, a spoon in your hand in case they didn't give you one for the porridge you bought.

"Good luck." Seungcheol smiles at you, and you give him a soft laugh. "Thanks, I'll need it."

Trying to get Chan awake proves to be most difficult once you get back to his room. He rolls over lazily, and you have to prop him up so he can drink the tea. You also carefully prepare his porridge, even going as far as spoon feeding him.

"It's so bland." He whines, and you just shake your head at him. "It's supposed to help your stomach, Channie. Just eat." He gets halfway through the bowl before he decides he doesn't want anymore, asking you to just leave it. You nod, putting the lid back over the top and choosing to clean up the mess in his room. Bottles, plates, cups, all in your arms as you exit the room once more, carefully walking down the stairs.

Seungcheol sees you, and quickly gets up to take them from you. "Woah, I didn't realize it accumulated so fast. Here, I got it, pretty." He grabs everything in one hand, before taking it to the kitchen. You follow, rolling up your sweater sleeves when he waves you off. "You're a guest. I got it, go." You find yourself floating back into Chan's room one last time, just peeking in to make sure he's sleeping. You call out, telling him to call you if he needs anything, that you'll be here for a bit. He just gives you a thumbs up. You take a deep breath, seeing Joshua's door slightly ajar. You walk over slowly, knocking on the door gently and poking your head in. He looks up from his desk, his laptop open to six different tabs and a drafted email. "Come in."

"Hi." You greet, closing the door behind you. He sighs, rubbing his palms on the fabric of his sweatpants. You inch toward him, looking at his screen. It's full of drafted projects, and the email is addressed to a certain Kwon Jiyong, DMA. You reach over and gently close the laptop, his tired eyes watching you do so.

"What's wrong?" "I'm sorry." He confessed, and you tilt your head. "Hm?"

"I was a jerk to you, the other day." He blinks up at you, and you stand for a moment, thinking back. "You mean when you called me a liar?" You smile, a soft laugh escaping. "I'm not mad anymore, you're weren't wrong. I am a liar." Shrugging, you point to the bed. He nods, and you take a seat. "Whether or not you are one…doesn't give me the right to treat you the way I did. I blew up on you, and I never do that, and it's frankly been eating away at me." He admits, and you nod, trying not to let your eyes go too wide. "Losing sleep?" "Unfortunately." Muttering, he opens the laptop again, typing in his password for the tabs to pop up again. "This isn't helping, either." he spins the mouse all over the screen, and you nod.

"Maybe you should take a breather. Go for a walk, find a muse." You offer, and he looks at you with a pained expression. You think this is the smoothest conversation you've had since your reunion. "Come on, let's go on a walk." You stand, offering your hand. He looks at it, and you wiggle your fingers.

He stands, taking it cautiously as you walk forward, grabbing his sweater off the hook and handing it to him. You open the door, seeing Haerim in the hallway with a bag in her hand.

"Haerim?" You call, your hand tightening around Joshua's, and she jumps. "Shit, Y/N. You scared me." She holds her hand to her chest, before holding up the bag. "I bought him some stew, Mingyu told me he's been really sick." Joshua peers over your head, making Haerim's eyes widen like saucers. "Shua?" "Hey, Haerim." He nods, and only then does she see the tight hold you have on Joshua's fingers. "I can explain–" You start, and she just smiles widely. "Damn, I didn't recognize your game. Respect." She nods, holding her hand over her mouth. You wince as he shrugs, tugging you slightly forward.

"Text me." She whispers as he walks past you, and you nod quickly. The two of you walk down the stairs, and Seungcheol is now sitting on the couch again – and he gives you a lazy smile. "Damn, Y/N. You've got hella game." You laugh embarrassedly, as Joshua fixes the way your hands are intertwined. He slots his fingers between yours, grabbing his keys off the hook by the door and opening it. "Ladies first." He murmurs, and you wave goodbye to Seungcheol before stepping out into the cool October air.

"Where to?" He asks, closing the door behind himself. You shrug, shivering slightly as you start down the path. "Wherever you need to."

The two of you walk aimlessly, before you spot the hill you used to visit during your sophomore year, before you finally convinced Saerom to transfer to your university. You'd lay on this hill with Jun, staring at the sky and talking to him about the stars. He was always surprised about how much you knew, but was kept in the dark like everyone else.

Everyone but Joshua.

"Here. I used to come here all the time." You point at the lavender-covered hill, and he lets you lead him up, before standing amongst all the flowers. "Look at the sky."

You tilt your head up, watching as the evening sunset looms overhead. He does the same, before speaking quietly. "I'm not dating Hyejin." Your head lolls to the side, a knowing look on your face. "I know." You lie, shrugging nonchalantly as you turn back to the sky. "How?" "You like me. Hard to move on so fast." You hesitate, and he inches closer. "Yeah?" "Yeah." You breathe, feeling the warmth of his body radiating onto you. You shiver a bit, and he sighs, tucking you into him. His sweater is open, and he lets go of your hand to wrap your arms around him. He does the same, wincing lightly at the cold feeling of your hands on his back.

"I'm still very sorry, you know." He laments, and you give him a tight smile. "I shouldn't have said any of it, especially not about your parents." He looks down at you, your eyes peering up at him already.

"My parents suck, don't take back what you say about them." You shrug, scanning his face. "I am confused about the Hyejin thing." "Right, that." He sucks his teeth lightly, a slight blush coating his cheeks. "She…asked for my help, and I have a really hard time saying no." "Of what nature was this 'help?'" You make air quotes, and Joshua can see a glint of the green-eyed monster in your demeanor. He smiles, moving to card his fingers through your hair gently. "Making an ex-boyfriend jealous kind of help." "Doesn't explain why you two were about to kiss when Chan and I got up the stairs." You say pointedly, his fingers toying gently with your earring. Another gift from your grandmother, he remembers these, too. A sun and a moon. "Let's just say I could recognize your voice from a mile away." You quirk a brow at him, before scoffing. "You're obsessed with me." "Since I saw you in that white dress." He nods, making you roll your eyes. You bite back your smile, "Can I kiss you?" "You're asking?" He tilts his head, and you snort. "Some of us don't like to assume things." You say with a tinge, and he shrugs. "I know when someone wants me." "I don't want you." You shake your head, a frown on your lips as you run your own hands through his mussed hair, peering over his shoulder to see an empty campus. Odd, for this hour. "Oh, you don't?" He entertains your shenanigans, before tilting your chin up to look in your eyes. "Nope." You pop the 'p', nuzzling your nose with his. His fingers are gently tracing your jaw before he presses his lips to yours. You melt into his touch carefully, his other hand softly holding your hip, squeezing before he pulls away, touching his forehead to yours. You blink up at him, "I don't want you. I need you."

"Did you sleep with Chan?" He asks, a bit roughly as he adjusts his hold on you. His hands move to rest on your back, and you shake your head. "Not recently, no." "Recently?" His eyes widen, and you snort. "Once, three years ago." You roll your eyes, and he nods. "No plans of sleeping with him soon?" "None." You murmur, and he bites his lip, a smile threatening to take over. "Plans of sleeping with anyone else?" "Don't know, there is this one guy." You pretend to think, pulling his hands to the front and lacing your fingers with one, taking him further down the hill slowly. The flower field comes into view, and you look up at the sky to see it's darkened remarkably. "Do you know the story of Altair and Vega?" "The story of Altair and Vega?" He echoes, allowing you to sit him down, plopping down next to him before clearing your throat. You nod, placing his hand on your inner thigh. "For warmth." You roll your eyes, before leaning back on your hands. "It's an old Chinese legend. Altair is the brightest star in the Aquila constellation." You search the sky for it, before spotting it overhead. "There." You point, and he nods.

"You told me about those three stars over the summer. Vega, Altair and Deneb." He recalls, and you feel your smile take over your face. "You remember that?"

"We can talk about that later." He shrugs, pressing a kiss to your cheek as you nod carefully. "Right…so, out of the three, Vega is the brightest. In their story, Altair is nothing but a shepherd. He herds cows after being abandoned by his family, and he yearns for love. His only love is music, and he plays lovely melodies on the flute."

Turning slightly to face him, you shrug. "Vega was said to be a goddess, from the Heavens that was forbidden from interacting with mortals, but she heard his song and it was love at first sight. She would leave the Heavens at sunrise and sunset to be with him. They even had children together. Her mother grew suspicious, and demanded she return to the Heavens. She did so."

"The shepherd had a beautiful ox with thick skin. Seeing the way his owner yearned for the love of the goddess, he offered his skin as a sacrifice to reunite them. It didn't work."

"Why?" Joshua asks gently, his eyes still staring up at the stars overhead. "Her mother was enraged. She created a band of stars to separate them. Their love can't be, not the way they want it." You sigh, and he glances at you.

"So what are you saying?" His voice holds no malice, only curiosity. You feel his hand tighten around your thigh slightly, prompting you to remove it and swing your leg over his lap, adjusting yourself to sit on his thighs. He gives you a look of confusion, but you just lace your fingers with his before taking a deep breath. "I'm saying that I'm a coward." You admit with a mutter, not able to look him in the eyes as you blink back the sting of tears. "I'm saying that…I want to, you know. I want to be brave, I want to tell my parents that I'm not their puppet, I want to pursue my own dreams." "What's stopping you?" He murmurs, his thumb rubbing small circles into your skin. "Fear." You sigh. "Fear of failing. Fear of…not being good enough." "Good enough for what? You're smart, you're passionate. You love this." He gestures at the sky, and you look into his eyes, his face blurry behind tears as you whisper just loud enough for him to hear you. "Good enough for you."

He sighs at this, reaching his fingers up to wipe at a few fallen tears. "There is another story in your legend, but in Greek mythology." Your head tilts to the side, and he smiles. "Lyra, means lyre. Orpheus was a musician in mythology, and a renowned poet. He even went down to Hades' hell to try and save his wife." "Eurydice." You murmur, and he nods. "He loved her more than anything, alongside his music. The story of how Lyra came to be, is that Eurydice died. She was bitten by a venomous snake and had long died by the time Orpheus found her. He was so heartbroken, he played the saddest melodies known to man and it affected everyone else just as much as it did him. He loved her so much, he went to the depths of Hades' hell to beg for her back, to live her full life, to enjoy her time."

He scans your face, feeling your fingers trace shapes into his abdomen. "Hades broke the rule, one time. He sympathized with Orpheus, and since they were both mortals, he knew they'd eventually return to him once their lives were over. The catch?" He took a piece of your hair between his fingers, twirling it through nimble fingers.

"Eurydice had to follow him out, and he wasn't allowed to look back at her until they got back to Earth, lest he'd send her right back." He said with a hum, watching as your lips pursed in discontent. "He turned back, didn't he?" "He feared she'd get lost in the dark. Just before they got back, just before they made it, he looked back and the gates to Hades' darkness were shut. He wept for her, for seven days and seven nights outside of those gates, but he never saw her again." He sighed, tucking the strand of hair behind your ear. "He was beaten to death by drunk women four years later, during a celebration for Dionysus. He never moved on, and was deemed a woman hater because he consistently rejected any and every woman for his Eurydice. His lyre was thrown in the river, and Zeus sent an eagle for it. That's how you got Lyra."

Pointing at the sky, the two of you watch how the sky slowly turns.

Without looking back at him, you whisper, "What are you saying?" "I'm saying…I don't want you to be Eurydice. Lost forever because I can't let you go." He splays his large hands across your thighs, the cold of his fingertips making you look back down at him. "But, I know that Orpheus and Eurydice deserved a happy ending. And I know that three weeks is a very short time to get to know someone, but I think…I know you better than almost anyone in your life." You stifle a laugh, nodding. "Nobody knows me like you, Joshua. Saerom doesn't even know I'm a double major." "Bad girl, very bad." He scolds you teasingly, before his thumbs press lightly into your thighs. "I want you to be happy. And if it means that this…whatever, we are…is a secret for a while, I'm okay with that." He shrugs, and you glance down at him.

"You know you deserve better, right?" You murmur, and he sighs. "It's either you or that lunch lady from my freshman year that's been after me for ages. Please, please save me." His tone is joking, but the look in his eyes is serious, solemn.

"Are you sure?" Your thumb pads his slight under eye bags, and he leans into it. "Yes, but don't give in to me so easily. I like the little mind games you play."

Snorting, you flick his nose gently. "What, so you want me to keep being defiant?"

"It's kind of hot." He crinkles his nose at the admission, and you let out a laugh. A genuine laugh, unlike your normal ones. "You're so…" He trails off, tilting his head to the side before sighing.

"I'm so what? Annoying? Stubborn? A snotty-nosed brat?" You prod, and he just smiles. "Yes, all of that. But…I don't know. You're so…easy to love."

"You…love me?" The confusion in your voice makes his chest ache. "I can't, uhm, I can't say I'm super well versed in the topic." He clears his throat, seeing your eyes become slightly glossy. "I just…I know that you feel right. I know that seeing you makes me less stressed. Nobody has been able to pull me away from my desk all week, Cheol had to physically drag me out earlier to eat something. I keep thinking back to our first night together, because the stress of some deadlines I have coming up is just driving me mad. But closing my eyes and just thinking about you, and knowing that you're not really this person you've painted for ages, I know. I think I feel closer to you, knowing that you've confided in me to keep this secret of yours, and I'm honored. I want to make you feel…wanted, needed. I want you to know that you are so much more than 'good enough.' If anything, I will never be enough for you, and I could spend the rest of my life working to earn you and your love." You're silent for a moment, taking in his words as your hands ghost over his. You give him a small smile, toying with the ring on his finger. "I should get you home." You murmur, and he smiles as he straightens, placing his hands on your back so you don't topple. "Anywhere you are is home, Y/N."

You don't respond, choosing to give him a chaste kiss. "We really need to get you home, I have to check on Chan." You speak against his lips, and he nods. "Fine, fine." The two of you get up, and Joshua files your lack of response into the back of his mind. Was it too much? Did he cross a line?

The walk is quiet, but you're holding his hand tighter than you had on the stroll earlier. You're holding him closer, even holding onto his arm with your opposite hand and resting your head slightly on his shoulder. When you reach the frat, he unlocks the door to see Seungcheol and Jeonghan debriefing about Jeonghan's date on the couch. Jeonghan almost calls him over when he sees you float in after him, a loud whoo! from his mouth.

"Shut up!" You groan, gesturing up the stairs. "Chan is sleeping!" "Woo!" Jeonghan cheers again, albeit quieter, and you roll your eyes. Joshua takes your sweater off your shoulders, and you allow him to do so as he hangs them on the rack by the door. "How was your date, Jeonghan?" "Good! She was very sweet, good taste in music." He smiles softly, before glancing between you and Joshua. "Did you…talk?" He clears his throat, and you feel Joshua's hand on your back, his eyes looking up the stairs.

"We can debrief what happened between us…at a later date." You smile, and Jeonghan gives you a knowing look. Seungcheol sips his beer with a smirk, shaking his head as the two of you climb the stairs gingerly. "Check on Chan." Joshua whispers, kissing the back of your neck before turning to his room.

Knocking gently, you open the door to see Haerim watching him carefully. She's holding the thermometer in her hand, shaking it as she sighs. She doesn't startle when she sees you, a warm smile on her face as she holds it up. "Still mild fever." "No vomit, right?" You ask, closing the door behind you. She shakes her head, pointing at the empty stew bowl she brought. "He practically inhaled it." "Traitor, he didn't want to eat the porridge I brought him." You scoff, and she laughs. "How was…you know." She gestures in the direction of Joshua's room, and you feel yourself get a little giddy. She notices the wry smile on your lips, giving your arm a soft smack before nagging you. "What happened!" "He likes me." You shrug, biting back your squeal as she bounces on her toes with a toothy grin. "He likes you?!"

"Yes!" You giggle, bouncing with her, and Chan groans behind the two of you. You both clench your teeth shut, lowering your voices. "I'll update you some other time, okay? I'll be at his beck and call, so don't worry about Chan." Haerim nods, not bothering to probe before she hikes her knapsack over her shoulder. She leans, pressing a soft kiss to Chan's hairline, telling him she's leaving. He nods weakly, squeezing her hand before she pulls away. "Should I get one of the guys to walk you home?" You ask, and she shakes her head. "My roommate's been waiting for ages for me to call her. I'll see you on Monday?"

She walks towards the stairs, and you nod. "See you, Haerim."

"Chan, I'm going home. Call me, or have one of the guys call me if you need anything." You call into the room, and he groans in response. You snort, grabbing your purse off his desk and carefully shutting the door, sighing as you take a few steps down the hall to Joshua's room. You knock lightly, opening the door when you hear him hum.

He's sitting in front of his laptop again, a frustrated look on his face as he connects a soundboard to his laptop, before feeling your presence. You smile at him, arms crossed before you speak, perching on the edge of his desk. "I'm going home."

"I know, I asked Cheol to walk you because I really need to focus." He says, a bit of sadness peeking through. You nod, "Thank you." "Can you text me when you get home?" His question is more of a demand, but you can see he's not trying to push it. "Yes, sir." You push off the desk, reaching to wrap your arms around his neck as he leans into his computer.

"Don't work yourself too hard, lover." You whisper in his ear, pressing a kiss to his temple before feeling his hand on your wrist, twisting his head to look at you. There's a soft blush coating his cheeks. "What'd you say?" "I said I'm going home." You change your expression to a stoic one, and he almost chokes on his laugh. "I'll see you on Monday."

"Yeah, for sure." He gives your wrist a gentle squeeze, "Let me walk you out, at least." "Don't kiss me in front of your friends." You warn, and he snorts. Standing, he watches as your arms drape to your sides before you clasp your hands in front of you before walking out into the hallway. You both barrel down the stairs, and hear Jeonghan whining over a bottle of tequila about his date. "She's so hot, Cheol, you don't get it." "I get it, I get it." Seungcheol replies distractedly, his eyes flickering up to you and Joshua reaching the foyer. "Ready to go, Y/N?" He stands, going to the closet to rummage for a jacket. "Yeah, thanks for doing this." You smile sheepishly, and Jeonghan looks up. "Oh, you're going home?" "Yeah, Chan's sleeping and…" You clear your throat, giving Joshua a quick glance. He catches on, "I'm busy. Doing shit. Important, you know."

"Tell us more about how you wouldn't be able to control yourselves, why don't you?" Jeonghan grimaces, and you snort. "This is why you're here, yearning for your date instead of being back at her apartment." "The hell is that supposed to mean!" He pouts, and Joshua snorts as he helps you pull your jacket on. "It means you're a bitch, Han."

"Don't make me tell Y/N all your dirty little secrets, Hong." Jeonghan tilts the shot glass in his direction, making you go wide eyed as Seungcheol returns, a blue and white varsity jacket draped over his shoulders. "Alright, let's scoot. The night is young." He stretches, and you smile at Jeonghan.

"Hope you get the girl, Hannie." You say softly, and his eyes soften. "Thanks, Y/N." "Bye, Joshua." You murmur as Seungcheol steps outside, muttering about the cold under his breath. Joshua looks to Jeonghan, who has his eyes closed, before pulling you into him. "One for the road?" You roll your eyes, "One for the road."

Thursday, December 29th.

The past two months had been a mess. Your parents had continuously dropped by randomly (and they dropped by the night of the Beta Tau Halloween rager), making both you and Saerom annoyed. She'd recently started seeing Jun (which kind of makes you grateful you're not in the apartment for their study sessions, who knows what freak shit they're on) and neither of you could study or rest in peace without feeling like they'd drop by.

Missing the party was the least of your worries, because you knew Joshua wasn't going to be involved in it anyway. He sent you a text from his desk, his guitar needing to be restrung because he couldn't pull himself away from his work. You'd told him to go for a walk.

Message From: Joshua Hong (TA) [11/03] What use is a walk if you're not there to kiss my worries away? You hadn't replied, opting to choose to scream into your pillow like a giddy teenaged girl.

In this time, you'd also managed to sit Saerom down and really speak to her about yourself. You told her that you didn't feel like yourself, and when she asked why, you broke out a bottle of wine and the two of you broke down the last few years of your lives. You admitted that you didn't want any part of your family's business, and Saerom had only given you a softened look.

"Don't pity me, Rom. You know I hate that shit.""I don't, my love. I don't pity you at all."

You'd cried quite a bit, and she'd just watched quietly and wiped your tears as they came. She understood, and she voiced that she thinks she would also do the same – the lying, the escapism, the misunderstandings. She apologized, saying she was sorry that she ever made you feel like you couldn't confide in her – smiling slightly when you said that she was never the problem, it was knowing that you'd be admitting to failure. She understood that, too.

The apartment felt more homey after that – Saerom took the time to go out and buy a few things she thought you'd like – a few constellation posters, a Lego set for you to build together of the Milky Way. She built the astronaut and NASA shuttle herself, placing those in your room when you texted her a few days after she bought them saying you'd had a rough day. She heard you crying in your room, only entering to comfort you when she heard you call her name.

These weeks were also particularly difficult because you'd seen less and less of Joshua. You never considered yourself the clingy type, and the Beta Tau brothers were definitely becoming more familiar with you as the days passed. You saw Joshua outside of class maybe twice, and it was once during office hours and once by going to the house to check on Chan right after Joshua admitted his feelings for you. He'd gotten a lot better, but you'd picked up his assignments from classes you didn't share so he wouldn't fall behind. He'd asked you what was going on between you and Joshua, and you just shrugged.

"We're taking it slow."

"Please don't fuck while I'm still sick, I don't want to hear it."

You and Joshua seemed to have no plans of doing so, it seems. Your schedules did not line up, and you could see him become slightly more stressed every time you saw him. Your classmates noticed something different about him, and you and Haerim just giggled in the back when he'd steal a glance at you. She never said anything to anyone, either.

Once school let out for the winter break (and you disappointedly passed Spanish with a B minus), you did everything in your power to avoid going home. You told your parents any lie you could grapple at – Saerom was sick, you were sick and didn't want to get them sick.

The truth? You just wanted to ring in the New Year with your…boyfriend? You didn't know what the two of you were, and you weren't afraid to admit that to yourself. He was graduating soon, and possibly taking a gap year before continuing his studies. You knew this much through texts – the one thing the two of you did have time for. He sent you voice notes on his way to anywhere, he'd send you pictures of the night sky before going to bed – asking if you could point out any constellations for him.

Message From: Shua <3 [11:32pm] Are you home? [11:33pm] Before you answer this, is Saerom home? I don't feel like explaining myself, I just want to lay the fuck down.

You snort at his message, giggling to yourself at his new contact name. You don't know if you'll ever get used to it.

Message To: Shua <3 [11:33pm] Saerom went home for the break. Something about introducing Jun to her mom.

His reply is almost instant. Message From: Shua <3 [11:34pm] Open the door, I'm freezing.

From your seat on the couch, you hear Joshua groan behind the door and you laugh. Tossing your phone to the side, you quickly get up and unlock the door. You see a pouty Joshua holding a bag of takeout, eyelashes lightly coated in snow as he enters the apartment. "You hate me." He whines, and you snort.

"I can make you go back out in the cold, if you'd like." You shrug, making him scoff as you carefully unravel his scarf. He closes his eyes as you take his jacket, and yank his beanie off his head with no care. "When do I get my kiss? I haven't seen you since finals, I deserve a kiss."

"It's like, twenty minutes until your birthday. You can't wait?" You roll your eyes, feeling a ball of fabric hit your back. You look down to see his pink glove on the floor, making you scoff out a laugh. "Now you're definitely not getting a kiss." "Oh my Goooood, you hate me!" He pouts, grabbing your arm and pulling you close to him. You shake your head, gently nuzzling your nose to his cold one. "Not one bit." You still hadn't told Joshua you loved him. Granted, the two of you were not dating and hadn't properly seen each other in literal ages – as much as 'ages' can be for two idiots in love.

"Why are you dressed like this? And why have I never been here before? This place is cool." He looks around, spotting the astronomy figurines Saerom had started getting for you, the walls covered in photos of you together and he spots the photo of you and your parents gathering dust on one of the shelves. He doesn't mention it.

"Dressed like what? My pajamas?" You look down, and he tugs at the seam of your shorts. "Rather…provocative." "Shut the fuck up, it's almost bed time." You roll your eyes, swatting his hand away from the bare skin of your thighs. He smiles amusedly, planting a soft kiss to the tip of your nose, before peppering them all over your face. His lips meet yours lightly, a chaste taste of his strawberry lip balm lingering on your plush lips as he pulls away.

"The bag is just mochi. I already had dinner." He says sheepishly, and you shrug. "I did, too. To be honest, I wasn't expecting company." "I didn't think you'd stayed on campus." He nods, and you sigh with a sad smile. "Don't wanna see my parents." "Right. How's that going?" He asks, pulling you to the couch with one hand. You let him lay down, pulling you on top of him. Your knees hug his hips as you straddle him, his hands resting high on your thighs. "It's…going. I should call them, but I really don't want to–" You hear the doorknob wiggle, tensing in Joshua's hold as you turn. The lock turns, and your muttered whisper of fuck makes all the alarms in Joshua's mind go off. You climb off of him as the door is pushed open, and you can feel your skin heat in embarrassment as your mother scoffs, stepping into the apartment. Joshua carefully slides off the couch, stepping next to you.

"Jesus, she keeps this place a mess." She groans, looking at the bag of takeout on your dinner table. She hasn't seen you yet, placing her giant designer bag on a chair as your father comes in behind her. "All you do is judge the girl, no wonder she doesn't want to come home." He rolls his eyes, but they land on you – standing with beet red cheeks and an equally embarrassed Joshua by your side. Your father's eyes dart to the link between you – Joshua's hand gingerly interlocking your fingers. You don't speak, and he looks at Joshua's eyes filled with slight worry.

"Can you go get her? She's probably holed up in her room, looking at those stupid mo– Who the fuck are you?" Your mother has turned now, her narrowed eyes on Joshua before landing on you. "Who the fuck is that? You said you were sick, and you have company over?" Your throat is dry, and you feel frozen when Joshua steps in front of you, shielding you from your parents' view. "You must be Y/N's parents. I've heard a lot about you, I'm Joshua."

He extends his hand, and your father eyes it before taking it, shaking it firmly. "Nice grip you got there, son." Your mother scoffs, tugging her scarf off her neck with a visceral anger. Joshua can feel you cower behind him, your fingers gripping onto the back of his shirt. "Joshua what? What do you do for a living?" He clears his throat, watching as your mother walks around the apartment without taking her shoes off, taking down stuff from the walls. "Joshua Hong. I'm a producer." He lies through his teeth, and your mother scowls as she sees the Lego version of the Milky Way hung right by your bathroom. She takes it down, tossing it carelessly on the couch.

"A producer? You won't make much money."

"That's enough." Your father speaks up, and sees you peer at him from behind Joshua. "What are you to Y/N? Boyfriend?" "Not allowed!" Your mother announces, her hands now occupied by your opened mail. Bills, bills, a credit card statement, bills…and your summer internship at the Korea Astronomy and Space Institute.

"I am…her boyfriend." Joshua whispers, losing a bit of confidence as your mother angrily walks back to your foyer. "What's this?" She holds the acceptance letter up, your eyes shutting closed as you see it in her hand. "Fuck." You murmur behind Joshua, and your mother begins to read it aloud.

"Esteemed Miss Kang, it is with great pride that we award you with the July KASI internship studying plasma physics." She crumples the paper slightly in her fist, and your father pries it from her hold as you step out from behind Joshua, and she really lays it on you.

"We told you from the start that these silly little dreams about space and stars were not going to happen. You are the sole heir to the companies, the properties, you have to continue the family business. Don't you care about that? Don't you care about paying us back for everything we've given you, and continue to supply you with? Don't you get that this is not an option?" She's not yelling, but her words cut deep as you nod slowly, the words tumbling out before you can stop to think about them properly. "I don't care." Your mother looks taken aback, and you feel your stomach flip as you clear your throat. "I don't care about properties, or companies. I don't care about money, or marrying for wealth. I…" You breathe in shakily, and Joshua instinctively puts his hands on your shoulders, an act not unseen by your mother's beady eyes.

"I don't care about being part of a family that is fueled by greed. I can't do it anymore. I hope that…you find another fit." The last part comes out as a bit of a sob, and you cover your mouth quickly. Your mother is fuming, and she turns to your father, who is silently reading the letter in his hands.

"I didn't know you liked plasma physics." He murmurs, and you feel Joshua's fingers squeeze your shoulders lightly. "I didn't even know what you were studying, if I'm being honest." Your father admits sheepishly, smoothing the crumpled edge of the sheet carefully.

"This is a very hard program to get into. I would know," Your father holds the letter out to you, and you reach to take it, holding the corner gingerly in your fingers. "You would know?" Joshua echoes, and your father nods.

"I applied. I got the June internship for aerospace engineering, my best friend was so jealous." You don't know the last time you saw your father smile. "I'm…proud of you. I know it's a little late in saying that, I've been quite the absent father.I guess, I can't even really say father."

Your mother is tapping her foot, garnering your attention again. "Whatever rebel strike you're on isn't cute, Y/N. I've got investors waiting to meet you, wanting to draw up contracts, to build new properties with your name across the front." Your father sighs, shaking his head as he looks at the two of you again. "Joshua, could you give us a moment?"

You turn to look at him, your eyes pleading him not to leave. He gives you a sorry smile, squeezing your shoulders before kissing your hairline. "I'll be in your room." He murmurs, and you nod, watching as he walks away, slipping into the only open door in the hallway. He shuts it behind him.

Your father sighs, leaning against the door frame. "Your mother and I are getting a divorce."

You can feel your eyes widen as far as they go, your mother flushing furiously. "Can I ask why?" "It's none of your business." She grits, and your father scoffs. "I'm selling the company. I'm tired, Y/N. Being in business is not what I want to do." He shakes his head, and you try to bite back a smile.

"It's not?"

"No. I'm donating the money to the Aerospace Engineering program here, actually." He gestures around you, indicating the University. You feel your lips tug into a smile, your father's warm eyes matching yours. "I don't understand why you can't just leave the company in Y/N's name so she can take over when we're both dead and gone. At least it sets up a stable future for her!" "She won't be happy, Bora! That's why I can't do that. Nothing in this life means anything if we're not happy." He groans frustratedly, and you feel almost taken aback by your father's words. He'd always been a silent man – a bit cold, with two friends and love for one thing: baseball.

And space, you now know.

"This is fucking ridiculous. I cannot leave my investors hanging, and I refuse to hand over my properties to someone I don't even know!" Your mother is exasperated, and you almost want to laugh at how you and your father shrug simultaneously.

"Whatever." She grumbles, snatching her purse off the chair, pulling it over her shoulder. She gives you a nasty look, "I assume this means you will also bail on meeting the Mins' youngest son? Yoongi has been waiting to meet you."

"Yoongi can shove it." You shrug, and she just shakes her head in disappointment – but for once…you don't care. She slams out of your apartment, her scarf flung over the back of your couch. Your father gives you a gentle smile, and you return it.

"I'm sorry for not being a better father to you, Y/N. I should have tried harder." He laments, and you see his eyes begin to gloss over with tears. You step forward, enveloping him in a loose hug. "I think…standing up for me and what you believe in, is a step in the right direction. I haven't been a very present daughter, either."

He laughs shakily, giving you a tight squeeze. "How about you and I get dinner in the next few days? You can even bring Joshua, I kind of like that kid." He mumbles, and you feel your stomach flutter at the mention of your…boyfriend's name. "I'll check our calendars and shoot you a text, okay?" "For sure, kid." He pulls away, softly patting your head. "I'll see you, okay?" "Yeah. See you." You nod, opening the door for him. He leaves with another word, your mother's scarf in his hand as he exits your apartment. You feel a wave of relief wash over you, but bite back your tears as you lock the door and march to your bedroom. Opening the door, you see Joshua flopped diagonally across your bed, phone in his hand.

It's twenty minutes past midnight, and the date reads December 30th.

"Hey, you." He looks over his shoulder, and watches as you pin the acceptance letter to the corkboard above your dresser. You put your hands on your hips, staring at it with a bit more content in your heart.

"Hey, boyfriend." You say, turning to face him. His ears turn pink, and he sits up. "It just came out, okay? I'm sorry, I know I haven't even taken you out to dinner or anything but I really, really–" You crash your lips to his, pushing him back onto your bed as you straddle him. "Yeah, yeah. No need for explanations." You peel your shirt off, tossing it to the side as he looks at you with wide eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Happy birthday, lover."

Saturday, May 6th.

"Joshua Hong."

You cheer loudly from the stands as he crosses the stage, watching his cheeks tinge pink as he hears you over the clapping and yelling from his fraternity. He smiles as the photographer takes his picture, before looking up at the stands to find you. You wave excitedly, and his eyes brighten all the more. I love you, he mouths.

I'm proud of you, you mouth back. Wimp.

– ☆ –

"Hey, gorgeous. You a tourist?" You're standing at the bar of the same salsa club you and Joshua danced at last summer when you hear Joshua's voice behind you, and you struggle not to roll your eyes. The two of you only stayed at the graduation long enough to watch Jeonghan cross the stage, before Cheol texted the group and said he was sneaking out.

The three of them had booked a last-minute trip…back to Puerto Vallarta.

"The city where you fell in love!" Cheol teased as the group loaded into the car, with you sitting on Joshua's lap in the backseat. Saerom was sitting next to you, and Junhui was giggling at the redness of your cheeks as the pair of douchebags teased you to no end. It didn't matter though – you felt Joshua smile into your shoulder as the group pulled into the airport.

"Yeah, I am. Are you?" You played his game, waiting until he finally came into your line of vision with the same baby blue guayabera you first saw him in. Your stomach flutters lightly as his hand ghosts your back. "Nah, I've been here before. Got my heart broken by a cute thing, she looked a little like you." "Alright, that's enough roleplay you weirdo." You scoff, shoving his hand away from you as he laughed, He stepped slightly closer, ignoring your faux annoyance. "Right, right…I know some cool places here, if you'd care to join me." His eyes twinkle something mischievous as the bartender slides you your drink. You take it with a thank you, before sighing and linking your arm with Joshua's. "Do you, now?" "I do. There's some pretty hammocks down the beach, you can see all the stars right now." He glances up at the sky as the two of you leave the club, your shoes clutched in his hand as your toes sink into the warm sand. You smile up at him, "What do you know about stars?" "Someone very special once told me a story about two lovers who couldn't be…and they reside in these very stars." He points at the sky, and you nod. "You know, I once heard a story like that, but they were involved in Greek mythology." You stare up at the sky, when you reach the hammock the two of you shared that first night.

"Really? Was it about Orpheus and Eurydice? I love that one." He smiles as he helps you on, fixing the skirt of your dress to cover your legs more. "Your star-crossed lovers, were they Altair and Vega?"

"So you do know stars." He slides in, and you rest your head on his chest. "I do. Love them, actually." "You're my brightest star." He murmurs, kissing your forehead lightly as his hand maps out the Lyra constellation. "It's so pretty, isn't it?" Looking back down at you, he sees the gloss over your eyes and sits up. "Babe! Don't cry, oh my God–" "I love you." You blurt, watching as his brows raise, his ears tinging pink in the low light of the moon. He lays back down slowly, and you scrunch your face before sitting up and looking down at him. "Hello? Big moment here, asswipe?" "Just a second." He smiles painfully, and your brows only furrow more. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I'm hard." He whispers, making you glance down. "Don't look at it! What's wrong with you!" He pouts as you burst into laughter, your hand resting on his stomach as you muffle your laughter with his shoulder. "It's not funny."

"You're such a LOSER!"

Pulling back, you wipe at your eyes, catching your breath.

"But you love me too, right?" You ask, peering down at him as he rolls his eyes, smiling widely. He brings you closer to him, his lips ghosting over yours as he speaks softly.

"I love you so much, I'd bring down the stars if you asked me to."

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voidartisan · 8 months

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It's a bit overdue, but, another semester has passed, and so I present

Incorrect Quotes from AJ's Real, Actual Life

Aayla: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three objects, what would you bring? Quinlan: One 500 lb. block of uranium. No further questions. Anakin: DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE FISH LADIES????? Obi-Wan: ... Obi-Wan: ...elaborate. Padme: I may or may not have had a crush on a literal otter, but in my defense, he had a Scottish accent. Obi-Wan: Actually, I think I have one of those fold-out seats in the back. Ahsoka: Well you could have told us that BEFORE we stuffed Rex in the trunk Fives: He was an interm--- intermur--- intermule-- Echo: Intermural? Fives: Amen. Jesse: Hallelujah, praise the Lord--- Obi-Wan: I'm going to get some ibuprofen. Anyone else? I've got the good stuff. Fives: Shaak Ti is my favorite council member. I can't wait for her to die so they can name something in the Temple after her. Echo: Rex: *attempting to suppress laughter* Fives: Wait that come out wrong--- bby!Aayla: *crying* Quinlan: Que pasa, Mufasa? Jesse: I volunteered Fives for latrine duty. Echo: Dang. That's messed up. Echo: I also volunteer Fives for latrine duty Kit Fisto: He doesn't deserve this. Mace is the mitochondria of the Order Jesse: I'd better be getting paid for this. Jesse: I want... two mung beans Jesse: Never had a mung bean Anakin: I'm an idiot, not stupid Kanan, addressing the Ghost crew: If you would like, you may drizzle some of my queso on your tacos. However, if you steal all of it, I will ugly cry in your room for the rest of the night. Fox, sighing: Will someone teach our favorite dingbat to sleep on a blanket? Thorn: I sleep on blankets all the time! >:( Fox: I was talking about Grizzer. Thorn: Oh. Hound: I also assumed you were referring to Thorn Rex, looking Jesse dead in the eyes: Get. Thee. Hence.

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anki-of-beleriand · 10 months

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Bad Liar Ch. 9

Summary: Life is about lessons, and Wanda has been learning some harsh facts that had define her life and taken her to a place in which she was given a second chance. Then, all of a sudden, she meets you, and she realizes why it's easier to lie to yourself than to accpet what's right in front of her.

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff/ Female!reader - America/Kate - Mentions of past Vision/Wanda - past Natasha/Reader - Some Female!Reader/Carol Danvers

Warnings: Slow burn - slightly Enemies to friends to lovers - Mentions of abusive relationships - Toxic relationships - angst - drama - mentions of abuse - idiots in love - homophobia - more tags as the story progress.

Author's note: Reader and Wanda are confronted by others in regards to their growing feelings, an accident shakes Reader's world, and America and Kate are just two idiots in love.

As always, English is no my mother tongue, so please forgive the grammar, spelling and funny mistakes!

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18

Chapter 9

The vulnerability of love

The soccer field was completely drenched, the field completely unkempt after the soccer team training session every single one of them getting ready for the final match on Saturday.

Even in the midst of such a cold mid-morning, everyone was still filling out the soccer field with some of the team members practicing with the ball and others simply warming up. It had been a small morning, and America hated to be just a spectator to what had been happening from more than twenty minutes. They were supposed to enjoy lunch time out in the open, Kate had been quite insistent to just go over the field and America didn’t understand why until they met with a very sweaty and drenched Riri Williams waiting for them.

America rolled her eyes clenching the thermos flask Kate had left to her care just so she could go down the stands and joined Rori in her training session. America clenched her jaw watching as her best friend giggled while allowing Williams to put her hands on her waist, Williams leaned in whispering something in Kate’s ear and the young woman flushed shaking her head while wriggling her hands nervously. America didn’t know when Kate had taken interested in soccer, she had always been a sports fan but this particular sport was never something she paid closed attention to. Not until now.

Not until she found out Riri Williams was the Captain of the team and they had started talking almost every day ever since Riri helped them out with Wanda’s file.

“You either are going to throw that to Williams, or you're going to break it.” Loki stated leaning back on his elbows, he tilted his head smirking at America. “Personally, I'm bored so I wouldn't say no to you starting something up with Williams.”

Yelena snorted, slapping Loki on his head, Kamala huffed, pressing her lips together. From that distance they couldn’t hear what Riri and Kate had been talking about, but it was something that had made Kate nervous, she would glance up towards her friend every once in a while before shaking her head and pressing Williams into teaching her some moves.

“I don't think America stands a chance…” Kamala said all of a sudden, America turned sharply towards her glaring at her friend who smiled apologetically.

“What the hell is that supposed to be, Kamala?” America exclaimed as she pointed a finger to the field, eyes narrowing. “I could take Williams with my eyes closed if I wanted to!”

Kamala winced looking for some support but finding herself alone in her argument, she opened her mouth to speak but Yelena beat her to it.

“Look at those legs, that abdomen, that skin…” Yelena leaned back patting Kamala on her back. “I'm with Khan on this one, Williams could take you in a fight, and Kate would finish the job if you mess with her girl.”

America was building a counterargument passing around the edges of the stands when Yelena’s words hit her brain. She faltered in her footsteps, and that was all it took for she too lose her footing and slipped down the group of stairs, America could hear the screams from Loki and Yelena, but her world soon became a mixture of colours and blurry images as pain filled her senses. She hit the ground with a heavy thud, the air leaving her lungs as her mouth opened in a silent scream, America clenched her eyes for a moment, her lips parting to let out a whimper filled with pain.

“America!”

The young woman heard her name being called but her mind was still trapped in the piercing pain she felt on her back, arms and legs. A warm sweaty hand placed itself on her forehead, she fluttered her eyes open to see Kate's worried frown and her lips pulled into a thin line.

“I didn't spill the chocolate.” America said, offering a pained smile.

“You're an idiot.” Kate said affectionately, she lifted her face to see Riri coming over with the coach and the assistant. “Stay here, Riri is bringing help.”

America winced, rolling her eyes, “woah, the hero to save the day, fantastic.”

Kate frowned at the sarcasm dripping from America's tone. She was about to say something but soon the coach put her away to see how bad the young woman on the ground had hit herself.

Kate turned around to see Kamala, Yelena and Loki leaning forward torn between being worried and amused. She placed her hands on her waist glaring at them.

“What did you guys do?” The question came accompanied by a hiss, Loki and Yelena looked at one another then at Kamala. “Guys…”

“We did nothing, Kate Bishop.” Yelena shrugged. “She was just a little worked up because you were too distracted with your girl over there.”

“And we kind of point out that she could take America in a fight and that you wouldn't take it lightly if America were to mess with your girl, that’s when she fell.”

Kate opened her mouth to retort until she frowned cocking her head to the side.

“My girl?” She blinked away a couple of times, then her eyes turned into a fierce glare as she finally caught up with her friend's game. “You guys…”

“Hey, Kate, we have to take her to the infirmary.” Riri came from behind her, placing a hand on Kate's shoulder.

“What? Why? Is she okay?” Kate forgot all about her friends and focused her attention on America who was being put on a stretcher, Riri tried to offer a comforting smile but Kate could see there was something else bothering the other girl.

“She is going to be okay, but she may need some medical attention, an X-ray and perhaps painkillers and a good massage. She bruised her back, and ass, so perhaps you could help her out with that massage.” Riri winked playfully at a now blushing Kate who was torn between being completely worried and slightly embarrassed by the comment.

“You can go with her; they’re taking her to the infirmary.” Riri placed a hand on Kate’s arm, her lips curling in a comforting smile. “Go on, I bet you're dying to do just that, play the nurse and everything…”

“Shut up, Williams.” Kate hesitated for a moment before mumbling. “Thank you.”

Without wasting any more time, she sent her friends one last glare before joining the coach and his assistant that were carrying America on the stretcher.

“Don't you guys think you're taking this too far?” Riri asked, turning to the group.

“No.”

“Yes.”

Kamal shrugged sitting down on the bench, she pointed a finger to Loki and Yelena.

“I think we should stop before this end in a tragedy.” Kamala made a gesture with her hand pointing to the ground and Riri. “It is fun and games at first, but you know this could end in a heartbreak.”

“Oh, Kam, don't be overly dramatic.” Loki exclaimed, his elbows on his knees. “Everything has gone according to plan, and Williams here has had her fun as well.”

“Besides, I think this is the best way to make those idiots finally give in.” Yelena kicked the grass tilting her head. “Though, I have to admit the probability of this ending badly is high.”

Kamala set her eyes on Riri who lifted her arms and shook her head.

“Don't look at me, I'm here for the ride.” She smirked, putting her hands on her hips. “And it has been fun and all, but I think one of these days Chavez is gonna break my nose or something.”

Kamala rested her chin on the palm of her hand, she couldn't shake the feeling this was a bad idea, but she had to admit the plan was solid. She lifted her dark eyes to Riri who was now engaged in a conversation with Loki and Yelena.

The day was growing older, Kamala huffed thinking about her conversation with Kate and the confusion growing inside Bishop. They all had one year left in school before they would need to part ways and start college. They had all been friends since kindergarten, and while at first everyone thought of going to the same University and be together forever, they each had started taking measures to ensure their future. Kate and America had been so reluctant to grow in that aspect of their life's, and while America had been protected by her sister taking over the family business, Kate was not so lucky.

“You look thoughtful, is there something you're not telling us?” Loki sat beside Kamala watching as Riri taught Yelena how to kick the ball.

“Next year we are all gonna be so busy trying to enter into a university and decide what to do…” Kamala broke into a nostalgic smile. “I think America and Kate are thinking about that responsibility, you know?”

“I thought you shipped them together.” Loki stated, Kamala rolled her eyes at the term.

“I do! They are so good together.”

“Then, why are you so worried? This plan is going to work.”

“Loki, what if they have to end everything after having gotten just a year of relationship?” Now Kamala grabbed Loki by his forearm, glistening eyes showing the deep emotion she was experiencing and Loki could do nothing more than to roll his eyes.

“You know that's ridiculous, right? They had been in love with one another since America gave her lunch to Kate after she dropped hers by tangling on her feet.”

Kamala giggled remembering the first time they had met America in school. At least, the first time they had talked to one another. Loki hesitated, pressing his lips for an instant before letting out a suffering sigh, his right arm wrapped comfortingly around Kamala's back.

“Everything is going to be fine, Kam, this is just a push in the right direction, but in reality this is something that will happen sooner than later.”

And Kamala had to believe that.

She knew Kate was still afraid to tell everyone about her decision, and America had never made it a secret of what she wanted in life. Sooner or later they would need to part ways, so why not let love find a way?

______________________

Wanda Maximoff strolled down the hallway, her hands busy texting you as she approached the infirmary. She chewed on her lower lip seeing as her messages went through but left unread.

It had been a couple of days since she had last seen you, and just a couple of hours since she last spoke with you. Wanda found herself once more in a turmoil of emotions with you at the centrefold. It certainly had been too long since she had so much fun and found herself relaxing and enjoying her time with the twins and anybody else for that matter. A small smile played on her lips, her chat with you filled with nonsense and meaningful conversations that made Wanda's heart flutter with longing.

Not for a single moment had Wanda stopped to think about the consequences of the game she had been playing with you. She had tricked herself into believing that whatever she was experimenting was normal, that it was something she could control but that little by little had sneaked inside her heart whenever she talked to you, whenever you smiled at her, whenever she was closed to you.

“Professor!” Kate Bishop stood up rather quickly, her eyes wide and filled with a spark of concern that translated into a terse smile. Wanda broke from her thoughts seeing Kate coming her way with a frown attached to her features.

“Hey, Kate, are you alright?” Wanda placed a soothing hand on Kate's shoulder, and the young woman nodded curtly.

“She hurt herself pretty badly, such an idiot!” Kate turned around lifting her hands in the air while pacing around the small waiting room.

Wanda dropped her shoulders, her thumb caressing the carcass of her phone. She followed Kate while the young woman ranted half exasperated and half concerned. It was not a secret that Kate and America had been best friends since forever, and for Wanda it had been quite evident both girls seemed to be at the edges of something else.

The woman stopped her trail of thoughts when you came into her mind. The similarities were there as well, but Wanda knew without a hint of a doubt that you and her were friends. Just good friends. Nothing else. It couldn't be, it was not possible. Wanda was no gay and you… Well, you were, but Wanda wasn't. And even if Wanda was, or entertained the idea, you were taken. Not that…

“Professor?” Wanda jerked awake from her internal rant, she turned to see Kate watching her with curiosity and some exasperation at being ignored.

“Sorry, Kate I…” Wanda made a gesture with her hand to cover up her lack of attention.

Kate huffed, pursing her lips to the side.

“Your phone was ringing, and Doctor Sue wants to see you.”

“Right, let me see what they need.”

Wanda covered her flustered face entertaining herself with the phone. There was a new message and this time around the fluttering in her heart intensified, and her stomach dropped deliciously.

I know, Tasha just called, I just left my office and I’m making my way over there, Wands. I’ll be there in 30 minutes, thank you for telling me. See you in a few.

“Wanda?” Sue Storm stretched her hand towards the newcomer, she smiled nodding backwards. “She is in there, I have to give her a sedative because she was in pain.”

“Thank you, Sue, is it too bad?” Wanda tried to get a glimpse of the bed in which America was now fast asleep.

“Well, not too bad.” Sue made a face signalling a chair, Wanda sat down with Sue who fixed her hair while chuckling. “At this time of the year, when they are not careful, these kinds of accidents do happen. And America is…”

“Prone to them?” Wanda contributed; Sue made a face nodding.

“Yes, I guess it's only normal, Y/N was the same when we were in school.” Sue chuckled, lifting her eyes to the ceiling before turning to Wanda. “She will need some x-rays just to make sure everything is alright, and probably won't be able to come to school for a while, her back and legs are all bruised up.”

Wanda winced chewing on her lower lip, she dropped her eyes to her mobile and her fingers flickered with her unconscious desire to text you.

“Have you talked to her?” Sue asked softly, Wanda lifted her head frowning.

“America?”

Sue held back her amusement, “no, Y/N. I know you two are like friends, right?”

Wanda hated the warmth she felt on her cheeks, and the knowing glance the doctor was sending her way was somewhat unnerving. It was the same stare she received from Natasha, or from Hope whenever Wanda decided to talk about you. Or rant against you, depending on her mood.

“Oh, I…Yeah, we are, I just talked to her…” Wanda hesitated for a moment, bouncing her left leg and she opened her phone but you had not written anything yet.

“She said she will be here in 30 minutes.”

“Perfect, I guess that covers it.” Sue stood up pointing to the bed in which America was asleep. “I guess we can let Kate come in before she opens a hole in my waiting room.”

Wanda chuckled, nodding in agreement.

“She is worried.”

“That she is, you want to see her or are going to wait for Y/N?”

There it was once more, the tone of voice and the glance that told Wanda everyone knew something she didn't. It was slightly unnerving, and Wanda couldn't shake the feeling that it was as if she had been discovered. As if her attraction for you was so evident everyone was amused by it. But it wasn't possible. It couldn't be. Right?

“America is my student so I will wait for her sister to make sure she can…I mean, so…”

“So she can take America to the doctor?” Sue helped the other woman when Wanda seemed a little lost for words.

“Yeah, that. Yes.”

Sue shook her head, now she understood why Natasha and Hope had been torn between being amused and concerned about this newfound friendship. Wanda looked a little lost, while you usually were so easily smitten. Sue observed as Wanda allowed Kate inside the room while talking softly to her, America completely asleep for the time being.

Then Kate went to America and Wanda left. Sue put her phone away dialling a well-known number.

“Hey, Stephen, how are you?”

The parking lot was almost empty, you sighed getting out of the car with your earphones still on.

You think you can be here in an hour?

“Yeah, Stephen, don't worry, I'll be there with America, I just got to school so…” You strolled down the sidewalk towards the main building.

Good, Sue told me it was probably nothing but wants to make sure so let me know and I send for the both of you. And make sure you take her out on a wheelchair.

Your heart dropped at those words, your hands were sweaty at the thought of America being hurt. The moment Natasha called you to inform you about the accident your world stood still. She had assured you it was nothing bad, and soon after Wanda had made the same comment trying to ease out your worries. But this was your little sister, and hearing the word accident brought forth unwelcome memories.

“Hey, you're here.” You faltered in your steps turning to see Wanda coming towards you.

In a moment of sudden vulnerability you hugged her tightly, your whole body relaxing as soon as she allowed her arms around you. Her warmth and body comforting your aching heart.

“Y/N, are you alright?” She whispered, her hand caressing your hair.

“Yeah, I just…thank you.” You stepped back, your body going rigid and whatever flickered of weakness disappeared almost instantly.

“It's okay, she is fine. It was a simple fall but…”

“It was an accident.” You stated bitterly, Wanda frowned but you waved away her confusion.

“Come I need to see her and then I'm taking her to see Stephen.”

Before you could resume your walk a single hand wrapped around yours. Your air caught in your throat, and your heart stopped beating as Wanda came closer to you, her free hand cupping your cheek. For a moment you thought she was going to kiss you, and Wanda entertained such an idea by letting her eyes drop to your lips then to your eyes. She leaned in placing a single kiss on your cheek.

You let out a single gasp, her hand tightening around yours and while she stepped back the distance between the both of you was almost non-existent.

“America is going to be fine, for what I heard she is as tough as her sister, also prone to such troublesome outcomes.” Wanda offered a comforting smile that you couldn't help but return.

“Thank you.”

Wanda smiled shyly at you, looking away before she did something that could destroy the friendship she was forging with you. You hesitated and then leaned in placing a kiss on her forehead, your arms sneaking around her waist pulling her closer to you.

“I mean it, Wands. Thank you.”

Wanda was left in the hall, her heart almost coming out of her chest and her skin imprinting the memory of your lips on her forehead, your body so close to hers. She tried to regulate her heartbeat, and then with a longing she had never felt before followed you into the infirmary.

_______________________

America couldn’t help the grin adorning her features at the sight of Kate and you fuzzing around her fixing everything in her room to make these days more passable. You brought some more pillows, and Kate went right on to fix them around America smiling at her friend while letting the flicker of concern shadow her stare.

“Are you sure you don't need anything else?” You checked the pillows and the blankets, making sure America had the two bottles of water and the medication for the pain.

“I can make sure to bring something else, if you need anything at all.” Continued Kate wriggling her hands in front of her.

“Shouldn’t you be home? Today is a school night, Katie Kate.”

“Ugh, you know I hate that nickname.” Kate rolled her eyes pressing her lips together while making her way to the chair near the window. “And I brought my bag, and mom will send for me later on, so I’m going to do my homework with you and keep you company, so suck it up, Chavez, you’re stuck with me until I said so.”

America softened her features; she followed Kate with her eyes missing your expression of amusement. You stood there for a brief moment, the medication and the water on the bedside table, as well as everything America could need if the night became too much for her. The fact that Kate had come over to help you out had been a great plus, and it had given you the chance to take a deep breath and be there for your sister.

Once Kate had started babbling about homework and facetime with Loki, Kamala and Yelena, America could turn her attention to you. You had been standing in complete silence on the side, the young woman knew she had been quite an idiot for falling down the stands at school. The doctors had been optimistic, and while she had not broken anything, it was quite obvious she hurt her back pretty dumbly. A part of her was embarrassed by the accident while another part was sorry for the fact she was making you overreact with the care and attention she was giving you. America tried to calm you down, perhaps providing you with some jokes or easy words. But at the moment she was just tired and in pain, the only thing she wanted was to be sedated.

“You know there is a new TV show you may like, and I already talked to Tasha and sent her over the medical records for your sick leave notes.” You broke your silence all of a sudden, America nodded pressing her lips together.

“So no chance of missing out on school?” She asked, you snorted and Kate huffed in disbelief.

“Of course not! And you need to be on top form because the festival is two weeks away.” Kate commented, America made a face shrugging.

“I don’t think I wanna go…”

“You have to!” You and Kate stated at the same time, Kate looked almost horrified by the idea and you looked hopefully at your sister.

“I am the one organizing this, and if I’m going to be a chaperone you better be there, kiddo.” Then, as if you were trying to convince yourself nothing was wrong, that you were fine, you started talking about all the things you and Wanda had planned so far.

You were almost babbling by then, after having you completely silent during the afternoon, America was slightly concerned at your sudden talkative persona. You busied yourself by arranging America's clothes, and some books, for a moment everything seemed okay until you just stopped what you were doing and stood watching to her bookshelf where a picture of her and yourself was resting.

“You know? This is nothing, I just didn't calculate my steps and the bleachers were slippery.” America gauged your expression trying to see your face waiting to know what you were thinking exactly, Kate let her eyes wander from you then back to America trying to understand the sudden change of topic coming from America.

“And you heard uncle Stephen, I'm gonna be fine.”

“I know.” You turned to her making your way to where she was resting comfortably. “That’s why you need to get better, Kiddo, so you can go to the dance with us…so, everything will be fine.”

You leaned in to place a kiss on her forehead, America opened her mouth to say something but she knew at the moment you were just trying to pretend everything was fine. She sighed glancing at Kate out of the corner of her eyes.

“I love you.” America screamed out before you left the room, your eyebrows shot upwards and your lips finally curved into a tiny smile.

“Love you too, kiddo. Do your homework and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Both Kate and America blushed as you left chuckling closing the door behind you.

You finally sat down on your sofa with the sound of a random TV show filling up the empty living room. You closed your eyes, resting your head on the back of the sofa letting the sounds washed away your concerns and the fears that had erupted inside you that day. You could smell the sweet aroma of the whisky you had pour for yourself, but you didn’t dare to drink; it wasn’t so much that you need it, but it was a comfort to busy yourself with just about anything you could.

Your life has taken on quite a turn as of late.

Your weekend had been filled with magic and discoveries, the time you spent with Wanda and the kids had filled you out with a longing you were not familiar with. You had laughed, and you had relaxed, you had shared and you had never before had so much fun or felt so safe by being around someone such as Wanda. Your heart fluttered at the memory, and your mind was a whirlpool of possibilities of what would happen if you were just to take a leap of faith with the other woman. Would it be worthy? Would she want it? Would she want you in the same way you wanted her?

Sometimes you thought you saw the signs there, in the way she looked at you with such a warmth glint and that tender smile. In the way she let her touches linger, or how she always seemed to be closer to you, to lean into your touch and just let the tension built up to the point you and her waited for something to give in. For something to happen.

Then, there were times in which you remembered she was married, that her husband was still out there and that she probably was not even interested in women. Perhaps that was Wanda’s way to be a friend, and you coming onto her would be just wrong. Unnecessary. Perhaps, even unwelcome.

As if that wasn’t enough, you had been under a lot of pressure ever since you signed the contract with Jarvis. The man was unbelievable, and he certainly thought highly of himself; not only had he come to the office as if he owned the place, but he had also been trying to get into your good graces by disrupting your meetings and your office whenever he wanted it. It had only been one day, but you were about ready to call Fury and tell him you would no longer keep up the façade. Maria had been the one talking you out of it, reminding you this was for the greater good and that it wouldn’t take too long before they got the man. Still, your had life had complicated just a little bit more when, in one of those rants Jarvis threw your way that day, Monica Rambeau decided to barge in and demand answers about your break-up with Carol.

Carol Danvers would always be your biggest what-if, and your biggest regret. She had always been your friend, and as such, you loved her very much. When you two decided to start a relationship, you had done so ignorant of her feelings for you, and while this didn’t excuse you for using her, you always thought it was a game for her as much as it was for you. You sighed remembering just as Monica said Carol had left that day, no good-bye and no announcements. She just left.

And while you would always be there for Crol, you couldn’t help but thing of what you could not give her, the love that she so deserved and that now seemed to pour out of you in waves towards a single individual you thought impossible.

Wanda Maximoff.

The woman was a complete mystery to you. Her mannerism, her wit and her contradictory personality were some of the things that had enchanted you from the first moment. Getting to know her had been a plus you never thought would happen, and now that you were seeing a part of her you didn't even suspect you knew you were in deep trouble. Wanda had spent most of her time in your mind, and you were still trying to decipher why and how.

“God, I'm a mess.” You shook your head glancing at the stairs and wondering how America and Kate were doing.

You felt the tears prickling your eyes, the suffocating weigh in your chest wanting nothing more than to explode. You clenched your eyes close, the warm sensation of tears rolling down your cheeks brought a grimace to your face. You hated crying.

The sound of a single bell called your attention, you dropped your eyes stopping the overwhelming emotions you were experimenting at the moment.

Your heart leaped contentedly when you noticed the name on the screen.

Can you open the door?

You straightened up, eyes wide opened glancing at the screen then at the door. For a brief moment you just tried to process what was happening until you heard a shy knock on the door. You sprang into action going straight to the door, the sight that greeted you brought a grin to your lips.

Wanda was standing right there, her hands full and the twins standing before her. They were hesitant at first, glancing from you then to Wanda before Tommy stepped forward hugging you tightly.

“Hi, Y/N.” Tommy leaned back showing a toothy grin. “Mummy thought you may need us to be happy, and to make America feel better.”

Wanda opened her eyes blushing profusely at Tommy's words. You arched a single brow ruffling the kid's hair.

“Well, Mommy knows best, right?” You winked at Wanda who was now mortified, Billy frowned stepping closer stretching his hand to you.

“Is America fine? Can we see her?”

“Well, I think she is doing her homework with Kate at the moment.” You could see the disappointment in the kid's face, it took you but a minute before you moved from the door. “But you know what? I bet she would love to have you two coming over to say hi, perhaps help her and Kate a little?”

“Can we?” Billy perked up following you inside the house with Tommy closed behind.

“Sure, but you guys need to make sure Kate and America behaved themselves, deal?”

“Deal!” They exclaimed at the same time.

America and Kate were completely surprised by the twins entering the room running to America and making sure the young woman knew she was missed. Kate chuckled when they tried to go into bed, until America winced in pain and they jumped out of bed scare of having hurt America even worse.

The room was soon filled with excited chatter, and while you stood by the door with Wanda, Kate made sure to look at you and her Professor with care. Wanda was far too close to you to be normal, Wanda’s hand was twitching by her side almost brushing against your own hand, and while your eyes were on the twins and America, Wanda had hers on you.

You watched from afar, smiling at the sight. Out of the corner of your eye you could see Wanda smiling as well. The packages she had been carrying were left in the hall downstairs. You stepped back, your hand resting on Wanda's shoulder. The young woman turned to you following you downstairs.

“This was quite unexpected, Wands.” You commented glancing at the bags with curiosity.

“I thought you may appreciate this.” Wanda lifted one of the bags, handing it over to you.

You snorted, lifting your stare to her, inside the first bag she handled you there was a big bowl of poke. You glanced at the other two, finding more food, your heart shivering at the gesture.

“You didn't have to…” You started but Wanda ignored you grabbing the bags making her way to the kitchen.

“I'm pretty sure you have not eaten at all, and America must be the same. So I thought we could eat together, I didn’t count on Kate being here but I know I brought enough food for everyone.” The confidence Wanda felt when she made the decision of buying for left her as soon as she found herself standing far too close to you.

You were looking at her blankly, not a single expression on your face while your eyes pierced her soul. Wanda fidgeted, her eyes flickering around your face, then she parted her lips and you knew all you had to do was close the distance and you would know how sweet those lips were.

Wanda from her part was completely frozen, her mind blank and deep into an ocean of possibilities. Each one of them was scarier than the previous one. She just had to lean in, to give in and she would cross a line she had never crossed before. If Wanda were to give in, she could end up in a heartbreak.

The moment was broken by Wanda, she dropped her gaze stepping forward to give you a friendly hug. You closed your eyes, your lips pressed together while your heart sank. It was a mistake, and you almost crossed a line that should never be crossed with a friend.

“I know today was not ideal, Y/N, I just thought food and some friendly company could help some.” Wanda sealed the hug with words that pierced deep inside your soul.

It hurt.

And you hated the fact that it hurt so much.

“Thank you, I just… She is my little sister, you know?”

You both parted leaving a great distance in between, Wanda nodded in understanding dancing around the kitchen to grab some plates and get the food ready.

“I know, let me help you with this, perhaps we can work some on the festival while we eat.”

“Yeah, sure that sounds good.”

The tension never left, and the casual touches and the brush of hands became a constant during your time serving dinner. You had to remind yourself that for Wanda you were a friend and that the young woman was straight as an arrow, probably in a disagreement with her husband that could end up with the redhead back in his arms. And while you fought yourself with conflicting emotions, Wanda had to remind herself that you were already engaged with someone else, and that she had never even considered dating a woman. The fact that she felt attracted to you was not as bothersome as she might have thought initially.

Both women kept gravitating around one another, unbeknownst to them the twins, Kate and America were paying close attention to their interaction, their closeness… The unsaid emotions that were quite evident, if seen as innocent, by the most important people in their lives.

America scowled deeply at your smile, the flush in your cheeks, hearing laughter of pure delight, the flirtatious conversation. She then glanced at Wanda observing how the other woman leaned closer. The tension was palpable from a distance.

It was right there and then, America knew you needed to know everything about Wanda Maximoff before it was far too late.

The question was, how should she tell you such news?

_____________________

Hope shivered lightly on her chair, her eyes following the restless form of Wanda that was ranting about her week so far. The session had started like any other, just small talk about the tasks Hope left Wanda for the week and how the young woman had made progress with them.

There was a moment in between that conversation that Y/N had popped up in the conversation making Wanda change completely. Hope found it quite interesting, placing questions here and there until Wanda was babbling terrified about you and how wonderful it was to be with you. How her children love you and America, and how Wanda was left in an ocean of confusion every time she was around you.

Hope never thought whatever relationship the both of you share would become in this. Sure, she considered a friendship, perhaps even a crush but Wanda was certainly affected by you, she was completely shaken by her feelings for you.

“And we just… We ended up having dinner with her and America again, and she was…” Wanda passed her hand through her hair, her eyes glistening with unshed tears she remembered your smile, the warm of your caressed, your words as the both of you pretend to be working on the festival.

“Y/N is a sweet soul, you know?” Hope leaned back, interlocking her fingers. “She can be tough and decisive, but deep down she really is a softie and she always loves without measure, she gives herself to family and friends even if that costs her own soul.”

Wanda stopped harshly in front of the windows, she didn't need to hear such a description to know it to be true. She had seen it, how you would do the impossible to make everyone happy. To perhaps, make things easier for them.

“I…I think…” Wanda turned around with the words at the tip of her tongue, her eyes finding the knowing stare in Hope's eyes.

“Have you ever felt this way before?” Hope didn't need to add anything else to the question, doing so might lead to Wanda trying to hide her emotions, and besides the revelation must come from her.

Wanda wrapped her arms around herself looking away. No. Yes. She was never allowed to feel, to experiment, to decide. But, she had felt things when younger, and once she was old she had tried to see the possibilities, but many of them had been beating out of her.

“I haven't.” She whispered, leaning back against the window.

“And, what do you think about this?” Hope inquired softly, Wanda pressed her lips looking away from Hope.

“I think it's wrong.” She stated after a while.

Hope leaned forward furrowing her brows, Wanda carried with her a heavy weight that was putting her down and filling her with guilt and uncertainty. Hope could see the conflicting emotions running through those green eyes, the way she was holding onto her convictions but also how she was letting herself be the person she was supposed to be.

“Really? Why?”

Wanda opened her mouth then closed it again, she leaned back lifting her head and her eyes stared at the ceiling.

“I'm not supposed to.” Every word seemed to take a toll on her, it was like a painful reminder of everything she was starting to change in her life.

“I have two children, and I have a husband.”

“You're divorcing him, though.”

Wanda smiled bitterly, dropping her arms to her sides.

“I like men.” She said with finality, Hope hummed tilting her head.

“Do you?”

The question caught Wanda by surprise, she liked men, right?

“How many men did you date before going out with Vision?”

Wanda readied her answer but soon stopped herself when no words came out. She looked away slightly annoyed by this, she didn't understand why she had to give explanations.

“I don't remember.” She said flatly.

“You don't? That's pretty curious…”

“No, it is not. It was a long time ago, and I really don't remember.” Wanda defended herself, her passing around the room resuming all of a sudden.

“I just know I like men. She can't… I mean, I can't…”

Hope sighed knowing Wanda's stubborn nature was coming into play and that the younger woman was not ready to admit anything at all. The room fell into a tense silence, and Hope had to wonder how affected were you by the same situation. Were you as confused or you were already hooked up with these newfound emotions? The last time she spoke with you Hope could hear the affection in your voice, she could tell Wanda was becoming someone important to you.

Wanda sat down once more she rested her face on her hands, her voice carried through the room shaking Hope to the core.

“You don't understand, Hope.” Wanda was trembling and the other woman was pretty sure that she was crying. “I can't let myself feel anything for her, I am far too damaged, far too lost and she… She has someone else, and I couldn't be…what she wants. I just… I don't know how to stop feeling like this.”

Hope softened her stare, and by the time Wanda locked her eyes with hers Hope could see the rampage emotions going through Wanda.

“What are you feeling Wanda?”

But Wanda didn't answer, she just sobbed and clenched her eyes closed feeling foolish for being weak. Hope wished the other woman wasn't so hard on herself, she knew whatever Wanda was experimenting would pass but she certainly needed for Y/N to do something to clarify the situation or this would end up in a heartbreak.

The question in here was, were you ready to give the first step?

Only time would tell.

______________________

“Hey, Kiddo, how are you feeling?” You stood up rather quickly making your way towards America who was wincing with each footstep she took.

“I feel horrible, but better than yesterday.” She gritted her teeth holding onto you. “I think I'm still sore and I hate that I can’t recover faster.”

“You should be resting.”

“Ugh, please I'm tired of being in bed, let me help you around or something.” America leaned forward pouting and making eyes at you.

You snorted pointing towards the counter where there were tomatoes ready to be cut. America smirked in triumph setting to work and help you with dinner, she grabbed the knife until her eyes fell on your mobile and the name of Wanda popped up all of a sudden. The music you usually put on while making dinner filling out the kitchen, and the sweet aroma of pasta filled the air. America observed as you waltzed around the kitchen, a smile playing on your lips in ways she had not seen in a very long time.

Not even with Carol.

The young woman furrowed her brows, her eyes coming back to the mobile then to the task at hand. She had not read the messages that you and Wanda had exchanged when talking over the phone, but America had seen enough of your interaction with the other woman to know that there was something there. That you had started developing feelings for her; America hesitated almost grabbing your phone but she decided against it.

“You’re awfully quiet, Kid, what is it?” You cleaned your hands on the washcloth on the stove, your eyes gleaming contentedly at America. “Are feeling okay?”

“Are you?” America asked back, she focused on the tomatoes making sure they were cut correctly before passing them over to you.

You felt your shoulders put backwards, your lips forming a thin line before letting out a heavy sigh.

“I was a little out of it when I heard you hurt yourself, America.” You grabbed the tomatoes putting them together in the blender with the rest of the ingredients for the sauce. “I was really worried, but I’m better now.”

America hesitated for a moment before speaking again, “that’s not what I meant, Y/N.”

You raised an eyebrow at her, America huffed tapping the table.

“Lately, you have been different.” She stated as subtle as she could, you nodded tentatively at her but didn’t interrupt her.

America tilted her head, wincing lightly while looking for the closest chair. You observed as the younger woman stall the conversation, as if she was afraid to say or ask what was so obvious bothering her as of late. You waited patiently trying to think of a reason for America to be this restless towards you.

“How are things with Carol?” The question caught you by surprised, you thought by now America knew what had happened but you realised that the time you had spent with your sister as of late was minimal and whenever the both of you were together Wanda and the twins were in the middle of it.

America scowled noticing how shocked you seemed by the question, you opened your mouth and then closed it your cheeks changing colour while your eyes looked away from her.

“What is it?” This time around America’s tone was demanding. “What happened?”

“I broke things up with her, last Monday.” You stated simply, shrugging while returning your attention back to the dinner.

This time around America was the shocked one, not a friend of you having casual sex with a woman that so obviously was in love with you, America had come to like the blond-haired woman and was hopping that she would be the one to put you out of the dark hole you had fallen into after the break-up with Shuri. The fact you decided to break things up even after you had decided to give the other woman a chance was all America needed to know to talk to you about her recent discoveries and concerns.

“Why? I thought you were going to give the relationship a chance?” America could see this was a topic you were not overly excited to talk about.

“I just thought it was not fair to continue something that wouldn’t go anywhere, Carol got the opportunity of her life to move to the other side of the world and I just…I couldn’t.” You let everything stirring on the stove while facing your younger sister.

The younger woman was glancing at you with a knowing stare you hated and loved. It was so easy to forget you were the older of the two, and you were supposed to be the responsible one. You remembered the time in which America had been crying, asking for your forgiveness after Shuri had left you broken-hearted. She blamed herself, perhaps if America hadn’t been there and you didn’t have to take up the responsibility you two would be together still.

Family comes first, America, and you are my family, if she can’t understand that then she doesn’t deserve me.

That was the moment you had decided to move on, for yourself and for America. Now, standing before you were a more mature woman that knew you better than you knew yourself sometimes, and you knew she was always in the lookout for you to be happy.

“Y/N, this has nothing to do with Professor Maximoff, is it?” America asked tentatively, you almost fell down at such suggestion your eyes opening wide as if you had been caught doing something you were not supposed be doing.

America rolled her eyes when you opened and closed your mouth, the babbling started with half-formed explanations and sputtering words that America stopped lifting a single hand.

“I knew it! You ended things with Carol because of Wanda?! Why?!” America was now pointing a finger at you. “Y/N what the hell is going in on?”

You were trying to talk to her, but America kept on pressuring you into talking, and you were trying to get half-witted explanations that had nothing to do with what you knew was happening inside your heart.

“I swear to God, you hate her a few months ago!”

“I may like her a lot!”

The room fell into a heavy silence.

America and you were breathing hard, both of you looking at one another while the sound of boiling sauce echoed through your ears. America lowered her hand on the table, she grabbed your phone shaking her head with conflicting emotions crossing her face. You frowned not really understanding where this sudden change towards Wanda came from.

“You had been talking to her, haven’t you? She is the one that has been putting that stupid smile in your face, and the one that has made you so…annoying as of late.” America locked her eyes with yours waiting for an answer.

“I just…I…” You hesitated and America lowered the phone.

“You really like her.” America mumbled, you walked around the counter placing hand on your sister’s shoulder.

“What is it? I mean, I thought you would be happy or something, you’re always telling me I should settle down, or look for love or something.” You gauged your sister’s face trying to see where her discomfort came from.

“I don’t want you to get hurt.” America shrugged. “And, Professor Maximoff has two children, and she may not be who you think she is.”

You broke into an easy smile, “hey, Kiddo, I like her, yes. But I also know she may not like me back, I know that.”

“It didn’t stop you from being an idiot and liking her.” America retorted knowing you were not ready to hear the deepness of your own emotions.

You offered a bitter smile shrugging, “we cannot help who we like, America. But I’m gonna be okay, I promise you, is that what had you so worried? That she may hurt me?”

America winced nodding, she flushed turning away from you when you ruffled her hair and wrapped her into a tight hug.

“Oh, lil’ sister, I’m gonna be fine, don’t worry so much.” You chuckled, your heart tugging inside your chest at the small gesture of sisterly love from America.

America went to say something else but your next words stopped her completely.

“I know she is married, and I know that I don’t stand a chance, so…don’t worry. She is a friend, and I will make sure to not cross that line with her.”

“You know she is married?” America blinked her confusion; you nodded a flash of sadness crossing your eyes. “But, Y/N, her husband…”

But whatever America was about to say about the marriage was cut suddenly by the ring of the door. You perked up wiggling your eyebrows, America was slightly confused glancing around the table to see five spots on.

“Are we waiting on someone?” She asked, and you chuckled.

“I invited someone over, I know you would like the surprise.”

You ran over to the door and right there stood Hope with Scott and Caisie. America’s face lit up and she had to stopped herself from running when Hope came right at her engulfing her in a tight embrace.

“HOPE!”

“America!”

You smiled closing the door behind them, Scott grinned goofily wrapping his own arms around you.

“Damn, Y/N, is so good to see you again!”

“You too, Scott, I missed you guys so much.” Scott nodded watching as the rest of the women went right away to the kitchen hearing America babbled about her accident.

“We missed you too, you know? Hope was driving us crazy with her constant worry and indecision to just suck it up and come talk to you.”

You offered a tired smile to the man in front of you.

“She wasn’t the only one, I think we both were fools.”

“That’s right, but now we’re back together so let’s make the most of it. Now, tell me, what has been going on in your life?”

The rest of the afternoon was spent with the friends you hadn’t seen in a while. Everything felt right into place, the old jokes and the new ones, the adventures and the struggles, everything was so familiar that you felt at ease knowing in the midst of separation and internal struggles whenever you had a real friend distance and time didn’t matter at all. They would always be there for you, the same way you would be for them.

Scott, Cassie and America went straight to the basement, Scott carrying America while the older woman blushed unable to struggle for far too long due to the pain on her back. Everyone knew it was that time of the night in which you and Hope would need to have that long await conversation. You served more wine grabbing your glass and Hope’s carrying it with you towards the living room.

“So, how’s work?” You asked settling comfortably on the sofa.

“Same old, same old, it has been good and quite interesting.” Hope offered a cryptic smile, and your heart dropped at what could be hidden there.

“Interesting… How?”

“You know I can’t talk about my patients, right?” Hope asked lightly resting her cheek against the palm of her hand.

“I know.” You hesitated before speaking again. “That’s why I haven’t asked you about her.”

Hope clicked her tongue, her eyes piercing right through yours.

“What’s going on with Wanda, Y/N? As far as I know you were with Carol and now…” hope could certainly not tell you anything at all of the appointment she had that day with Wanda, she could not talk about the other woman’s feelings for you, but she could talk about yours.

You played with the glass in your hand, your eyes watching the red liquid danced around with your heart pounding blood into your ears. You could pretend before America, it was easier to make sur ethe young woman would not be worried about you or your emotions, but Hope had always been there. She had always known. Even if, at some point, she had been gone.

“I think I’m…god, I don’t know.” You mumbled passing your hand through your hair. “Carol was amazing, you know? But I couldn’t feel the way I’m feeling right now for Wanda.”

Hope pressed her lips together, waiting for you to continue.

“I don’t know when it happened, you know? I just though she was beautiful and then, I though she was funny, interesting, smart and I just…” You closed your eyes, opening them again to glance at the screen of your mobile. “I get to meet her even more and all of a sudden I’m just experimenting all these emotions for her, and I know it’s not possible because she…”

“She what, Y/N?” Hope asked when your silence went for far too long, you rolled your eyes taking a long sip from the wine.

“I’m not one of your patients, Hope.”

“No, you are my friend.” Hope stated. “I don’t want you to get hurt, but I also don’t want Wanda to get hurt in the process.”

This last part perked up your curiosity but Hope offered a half smile shaking her head.

“I wouldn’t be able to hurt her, Hope.” You mumbled looking away miserable as ever. “God, why do I always fall for the complicated it ones? What couldn’t I fall for Carol? It would have been perfect!”

Hope raised her brows at the sudden declaration, though she was pretty sure you didn’t even notice your own confession. Two confessions in one single day, that must be a record for Hope who was watching everything developed from afar; she wished things were easier for you and even for Wanda, but she also knew she could not force things to happen, she would need to be patient or else everything could end up in a heart break.

“I think you need to give yourself time, Y/N and you should also be honest with yourself, and her.”

You snorted shaking your head, “look, you must know this already but, she has a husband, she has two kids, it’s a matter of time she may go back to him or perhaps find another man that…I mean, she is straight as an arrow and I’m just always reding the signals incorrectly, I know I have to keep my distance so this is what I’m going to do.”

Hope was really grateful to the fact you were too busy feeling sorry for yourself to notice the hint of panic in her eyes when you mentioned Wanda’s husband. You didn’t know much, for the comment you just made, and Hope was not the right person to provide you with that story. But what stroke Hope the most was the fact you felt miserable at the mere thought that Wanda might found her heart’s love in a man. Which confirmed your assessment of a moment ago: you didn’t know how to read the signs.

“I just don’t know, I should focus on the business and America.” You emptied the glass of wine shaking it in front of Hope’s eyes. “Want some more?”

“No, thank you.” Hope smiled leaning forward and placing a hand on yours, you lifted your stared and waited patiently for Hope to talk.

“Let me give you some advice.”

“Please.” You mumbled, and Hope could see you were just as confused and terrified as Wanda.

“You need to decide what you want, what you really desire. Once you had defined this you should give yourself and others a chance to get there with you.” Hope offered a kind smile as she continued. “I cannot tell you about Wanda, Y/N, but I can tell you really feel so much that you’re still afraid to get hurt. Allow yourself to take a leap of faith and find out what can be possible.”

“What if…” You started trailing off when Hope rolled her eyes.

“Then, you took a risk and whatever the end result you came out of that moment wiser, and with the certainty that you did everything that needed to be done for you to be happy.” Hope then wrapped her arms around you. “You and Wanda deserve that much, at least, and even if it doesn’t end the way you want it, you and her would had gained a friendship that may help you face the hardships of life, so it’s a win-win situation.”

You had a lot to think about by the time you went to bed.

You glanced out of the window to see Wanda’s home had the lights off, she was probably sleeping already with the twins in their room. You grabbed your phone reading the last message she had left in the chat; it had been a simple question about the final arrangements that ended up with her inviting you and America over for lunch the next day.

As the night grew older, you kept your stare to the darkened sky right above your head. The next day would be a new day, and you had made up your mind. Tomorrow would be a new day, and hopefully, it would be the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

************************************************************************Next Chater: The tension between Wanda and Reader grows, the twins play matchmakers, Kate and America shared a kiss, the dance is almost there and someone that shouldn't be there gets a sight of the twins.

#personal #fanfic #wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #wandaxreader #female reader #imagine wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x female reader #reader

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dreadsuitsamus · 10 months

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Teacher's Night Out | Satoru Gojo x Reader |

author's note: i just imagined a silly lil night like this with him haha he honestly would be so much fun for sooooo many shenanigans

pairing: satoru gojo x fem!reader

warnings: au verse, gojo and reader are college professors, small mention of nsfw topics but nothing remotely explicit, looooootsa kissing

"Your movie is in theater five. Enjoy!" The teen attendant smiles, pointing your way to the left of the crossroad of the theaters.

Satoru grins and leads the way, practically dragging you down the hall. It takes all of your coordination skills just to stay on your feet as the overexuberance from Satoru threatens to remove your arm from its socket. "Why are you so eager?? This movie is supposed to be really bad!"

"You answered your own question." Satoru looks back at you for a wink and pretty smile, tugging you closer to his body as he urges you into the darkened theater that's already playing the previews. "You never have quite as much fun watching good movies as you do making fun of bad ones!"

Letting slip a quiet laugh, your earrings gently knock against your cheek as you shake your head at such an intention. It's not shocking, not one bit, to think Satoru would genuinely rather watch a terrible movie than any other, though roping you into it was something you foolishly didn't expect. It was meant to be an after work thing, nothing more than colleagues spending some time together outside the confines of the time clock, but with the way nobody else showed up and Satoru wasted not even a minute waiting for your other work friends, not to mention how touchy he’s being, the inkling that Satoru is up to something starts nagging a bit more.

The fact that you don't mind is awfully telling to both you and him.

Satoru quickly ushers you both to your seats, the theater so laughably empty that, even though you're a bit late, you can still get the absolute best seats in the house. He slips a few boxes of candy from his pockets, offering them up to you like cards. "Pick any! Except the Sour Patch Kids." Those long fingers swiftly pluck the box from your selection, and you laugh and take another.

"I appreciate you sneaking in candy, but I'm gonna go get a drink from-"

"I'll do it!! Keep my seat safe!" With that, Satoru is quite literally leaping across the rows of seats to the exit, and you can only stare in awe.

He's truly an idiot, and somehow the most decorated professor at the college you're both employed at. It's said by nearly every student he's had how they simultaneously regretted and did not regret taking his class. The curiosity alone makes you wish you could experience the teachings of Gojo Satoru for yourself, though knowing him on the other side of the desk is much more ideal.

It isn't long before your colleague returns, two large sodas in hand that have your brows practically rising to your hairline. “Jeez, Satoru, there's no way I could even dream of finishing this!”

“And these are the medium cups! I was this close to ordering large, just to see how much of my hand and forearm would fit.” He places his drink in the cupholder to his left as you set yours to the one on your right, the one between you left to house the little boxes of contraband he's snuck in. Satoru quickly swaps glasses, leaving the more tinted ones in their case as he opts for his regular frames, not that he plans to actually watch the movie— he's already seen this dumpster fire of a film, and it wasn't even fun to make fun of!

Your gaze flicks to the large screen, briefly wondering just how many previews for much better movies, and maybe much worse, you'll have to see before what you paid for starts to play. Satoru’s slender fingers brush your jaw, gently urging you to look back at him instead. His brilliantly bright blue eyes look at you in earnest, a little smile on his lips as he chews a gummy. “I'm glad you came to see this with me.”

“Of course, Satoru. Especially since the rest of the 'invitees' didn't show.” Your voice is dripping with suspicion, lips curving and a giggle following at the completely unabashed look on his face.

“Guess that cat's out of the bag. But come on! Can you imagine Nanami at the movie theater?! What a bore!”

Another laugh bubbles up despite your best efforts to stay somewhat hushed up. There are a few strays here, after all, and you'd hate to end up in someone's viral Twitter posting for being rude in a movie theater. “Satoru! Kento is a fine man; he can be more relaxed than you give him credit for.”

“Oh?” Satoru’s brow raises and he leans in closer, as if to whisper conspiracy in the dead of the night, his nose nearly tapping the tip of yours. “Have you and Nanami been spending extracurricular time together?”

“You do know we run the creative writing club together, don't you?”

“Literature nerds.” Satoru snorts, his breath fanning across your skin. “What kind of smutty, filthy things does he write, hmmm?”

“Gojo!” You scold, plucking his chest and just barely being able to keep your heart from pumping out of your chest with his awfully close proximity. Boundaries have always been a tad wavy with Satoru, personal space becoming less personal whenever he's around, but he's never quite… unabashedly close to your lips with his own.

“What?? Fine, fine. Keep his secrets! I’d rather hear about what you write anyway. That's the fun stuff.” Satoru leans in closer, his soft, pink lips a mere hair’s breadth from yours— half of an exhale and they'll be touching.

“Come to this Friday's meet then.” Your whisper isn't out of consideration for any other attendees of the movie, as the lights are drawn down and it's begun to play now. “We're doing poetry this week.”

“I can think of far better ways to spend a Friday night.” Satoru lowers his own voice to a murmur. “How about we have our own little meet, you and me?”

“Isn't that what this is?”

“What, you can't make a little more time for me?” Satoru pouts pathetically and you begin to suspect that he can cry on command after seeing how sad his eyes seem.

“I’m a busy woman, Satoru. You know the life of a college professor.” Your tongue darts out over your lips, tasting the vanilla cupcake flavored gloss you slid on tonight.

“So let's make the most of this time then.” Satoru's knuckle taps your chin up and then he's pressing his lips to yours. It's a gentle kiss, an ultimate test of your boundaries, but one he's confident will go his way. He notices the little things about you, the way you linger for him at the end of the day, just to walk to the parking lot together. You have his Starbucks order memorized, make him delicious sweets all the time and do plenty of other soft gestures that make his heart beat.

Warmth floods your face at Satoru's kiss— never in your life did you think things would get to this point between the two of you. All that time pining for him was surely wasted, wasn't it? You certainly could have made a move months ago, and he'd have received you eagerly. It's you that deepens the kiss, encouraging Satoru’s tongue to lick at your sweet lips and, little by little, remove the tasty gloss from your lips.

Satoru’s teeth gently dig into your lower lip, sucking it into his mouth for a moment, letting go soon after. The armrest between you is quickly flipped up, your poor candy boxes sent flying as Satoru moves in further, bracing a large hand on your back as he lays you back in the seat. A rumble echoes in his chest as your fingers find their place in his hair and gently thread through the white locks, spurring the professor’s kissing into something more frenzied, more desperate and with a tinge of neediness dabbled in too.

Your concept of time is muddied by the time Satoru pulls his lips back, your lip gloss smeared between both of your faces in a messy display of actions that you'd expect teenagers to do rather than adults past thirty. Satoru smiles down at you, eyes beautiful crescents to match the gorgeousness of his grin. “So you'll meet up with me again soon, right?”

Satoru can hardly register your snort before your arms are around his neck and pulling him down for more.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Satoru turns his head to the screen, his brows knitted as he witnesses a scene that certainly wasn't there when he actually watched this movie before. “We're in the wrong theater!”

It's a tad hard to explain to the manager on duty that there's been a mistake when the movie you were actually in was ten minutes from its end, but somehow Satoru manages to talk his way into a showing of the film you'd actually paid for, giving you just enough time to slather on some more lip gloss before Makeout Paradise 2: Electric Boogaloo.

#gojo x reader #gojo x you #gojou satoru x reader #gojo satoru x reader #satoru gojo x you #satoru gojo x reader #jjk imagine #x reader #reader insert

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angelsanarchy · 7 months

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Fever Dreams: Mike x Y/N One Shot Series PRT 01

Tagging: @icarus-star @chainsawgvtsfvck @romanroyapoligist @liquidsmoothdomme @madamemaximoff06 @drazenka @blacksoul-27 @444rockstargf (let me know if you wish to be tagged)

Mike sat in the passenger seat of Leff's 1970 Chrysler Newport which he treated like the child he always wanted. He was pissed to have been dragged out of bed so early to sit in the Train station parking lot. He had no idea who they were picking up or why he had to be with him but he was annoyed and tired.

"You're gonna need to get in the backseat." Leff said without looking at him.

"The fuck for?" Mike looked over at Leff who narrowed his eyes at him.

"Because I'd rather not watch Y/n embarrass you this early in the morning." He explained. Mike knew very little about this person they were picking up. He knew that they worked for Leff and just returned from doing an import run.

"He can sit in the backseat just fine." Mike laughed but when he felt Leff's gaze on him, he looked over at him.

"Are you fucking serious? I'm already comfortable, why do I have to move just because of them?" Mike whined.

"You sound like a fucking child." Leff groaned.

"You treat me like a fucking child." Mike argued. Leff rolled his eyes and continued to puff on a cigarette watching for this person to make their appearance.

"What's so special about this guy? I mean you made me take a fucking Uber from the airport when I got here but we're picking this guy up at the train station?" Mike asked curiously.

"Y/n works harder than you ever thought about working." Leff kept his eyes on the platform and Mike rolled his eyes.

"Y/n isn't a guy either so be respectful. Did your mother teach you any fucking manners?" Leff asked with frustration. Mike let out a laugh.

"So what? You fucking her?" Mike asked with his eyebrow up. Leff gave him a death glare before Mike put his hands up and got in the back seat mumbling about never getting any respect.

"Okay so this chick...what does she do exactly? I mean is she like Sicky? Is she like me, a runner?" Leff snorted.

"A runner? That's what you call yourself? She's not like either of you because she doesn't need a fucking job title to earn money." Leff explained.

"She's also off limits so don't even think about being cute with her, she'll cut your dick off before I even get a chance to slap you around for being an idiot." Leff pointed at him in the rearview with a warning.

"So you are fucking her?" Mike pressed and Leff swatted at him but he put his hands up.

"Jesus Christ! I'm just curious. What's her deal? Why am I not allowed to even ask about her?" Mike was getting irritated with how uptight Leff was being.

"She used to work for a nightclub that one of my competition works out of. I was fucking a few of her coworkers but she had reached out to me about your mom once." Mike's attention was piqued.

"What do you mean?" Mike pressed.

"When your mom was trying to get her fix, she would go to places like that and try and score. Y/n kept an eye on her for me but her boss wasn't too happy about it...tried to have her dealt with." Leff explained.

"But she works for you now? How did that pan out?" Mike was confused.

"Technically I paid a fee to take her out of the night club. The club boss didn't care, my competition still tries to make moves to bring her back into the fold over there." Leff shook his head.

"How can you trust someone who worked for the competition?" Mike asked and caught Leff's gaze in the mirror again.

"She got her ass nearly cut into pieces for getting your mom out of a deal gone wrong. I saved her life, got her out of that assholes crew. She doesn't have to suck dick or get her ass beat over here. She's worked her ass off and has never said no to a tough task. She's the best worker I got." Leff wanted Mike to know the situation with Y/n and how important she was to his team. She was a trustworthy person and had even known his mom. Mike really wanted to ask her about his mom but he knew Leff would probably shut that down.

It was still something that was too hard to talk about.

"There she is. Keep your dumbass comments to yourself or I'll kick your ass." Leff popped the trunk as she approached and she tossed two large duffels into the trunk before climbing into the car. Mike was surprised she was so attractive. He knew she once worked at a nightclub but she had naturally beautiful features.

"Who's Brokeback Mountain?" Y/n tossed her thumb to the backseat.

"Oh fuck off." Mike groaned in annoyance.

"That's my nephew, Mike. He's apart of the team now." Leff started to drive and Y/n turned back to look at him.

"Is this a permanent look or are you going through a phase of sorts where you like to suck dick?" Y/n asked with a smirk.

"You're one to talk with lips like that. Are you going for New York homeless or DC prostitute?" Mike fought back.

"Mike!" Leff growled but Y/n laughed.

"Oh he's going to be fun. I like him already." She turned in the seat and extended her hand.

"Y/n, I will absolutely be ripping you to shreds verbally on the daily." She smiled brightly and Mike felt a little part of him melt a little before taking her hand and shaking it.

"Mike and I look forward to going toe to toe with you any day sweetheart." He shook her hand and she flicked his cowboy hat.

"So does the hat get you any pussy?" Y/n asked curiously and Mike smirked.

"Why? You want to get in line?" He teased making Y/n laugh.

"This one is going to be trouble, you know that right?" She looked over at Leff who glared at her.

"Don't encourage is dumbass behavior. It will get him killed." Leff gritted.

"He'll be okay. You know Sicky and I will take good care of him." She tried to reassure and Mike was curious as to the touch she gave Leff's shoulder. Maybe she was into Leff? He needed to talk to her and get her story before he let himself get too interested in her.

"So you knew my mom?" Mike asked abruptly and the care grew silent. She looked over her shoulder and nodded at him.

"I did. She talked about you a lot....I'm sorry how things ended." Y/n looked at him with remorse and he wasn't expecting her to look so effected by the mention of her. He made a note to ask her about what she knew when Leff wasn't around.

"Are we done making friendship bracelets and braiding each others hair" Leff asked breaking up the silence.

"Don't' be jealous Leff. We can get you a cowboy hat if you want." She openly teased Leff and her glared at her. There was so much about her Mike wanted to know.

#5lbs of Pressure #Mike #Mike x Y/n #One Shot Series #Fever Dreams #Rory Culkin #Culkin Cult

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nicoline1998enilocin · 3 months

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PAIRING || Pornstar!Bucky Barnes x Sexshop Owner!Tony Stark

WORDCOUNT || 2.8K

SUMMARY || Tony and Bucky have been in love with one another for as long as they can remember, but when Tony moved out of the porn industry to open his sex shop, they both felt like they left a piece of their soul with the other person. When Bucky goes to help out Tony during a photoshoot, their feelings are revealed, and they're left wondering why they didn't tell each other sooner.

RATING || Explicit (E)

TAGS || Canon divergence. Pornstar!Bucky Barnes. Former Pornstar!Tony Stark. Sexshop Owner!Tony Stark. Friends with benefits. Friends to lovers. Mutual pining. Idiots in love. Erotic photography. Love confessions.

WARNINGS || Sex as payment (mutually agreed upon). Bucky is described as being tattooed. Use of shibari ropes for photography. Use of butt plugs for photography.

SMUT || Top!Bucky Barnes. Bottom!Tony Stark. Subspace. Praise. Dirty talk. Roleplay. Handcuffs. Implied rimming. Fingers are used as a gag. Referenced oral fixation. Unprotected anal sex (wrap it before you tap it!). Reverse cowgirl position. Cream pie. Multiple orgasms. Aftercare.

A/N || This one-shot is written for the WinterIron Reverse Mini Bang, hosted by @winterironevents. For this project, I collaborated with the amazing @endlesstwanted, and the full artwork to go along with the story can be found on AO3. This story isn't proofread; any and all mistakes are my own. 🤍

EVENTS @anyfandomaubingo || Pornstar!Tony Stark @anyfandomfluffbingo || Pornstar!Bucky Barnes @buckybarnesbingo #B011 || Kink: Roleplaying @fandom-free-bingo Book Night || Shopkeeper AU @fandom-free-bingo Book Night || Riding @fandom-free-bingo Pride || First Queer Kiss + Queer Sex Education

@kinky-things-happen || Gag @lgbtqbingo || "I can't believe I get to call you mine." @marvel-smash-bingo || Sexshop AU @sebastianstanbingo || "I'm gonna tell you, but you're gonna freak out." @winterironevents WIB #R2022 || Kissing under the covers + Free Space + Gift Giving + Friends to lovers + Happy ending

Header: @endlesstwanted || Other graphics are made by @nicoline1998enilocin

Main Masterlist || Bucky Barnes || Tony Stark || WinterIron

Tony's setting up the photoshoot studio that's attached to the sex shop he opened a little over a decade ago because he'll finally be working with his friend and former co-star - none other than the famous pornstar Bucky "The Sergeant" Barnes. While Tony hasn't been in the gay porn industry for a little over a decade, he does sometimes miss it, especially now that he doesn't get to work with Bucky as often as he'd like to. Instead, he has chosen to follow his dream of opening his sex shop, and it has been doing fantastic from the start.

Bucky is coming by for both a photo- and a video shoot because he hosts his website, where he teaches queer sex education, and he has a paid space where people can watch him in his porn videos - most of which are being shot in Tony's studio. Now and again, Tony also participates in them, and today won't be any different: they will be shooting a roleplay video after one of Bucky's long-time subscribers requested them to do a special scene.

Before they will do that, however, Bucky will help Tony out as he has received some new products that will be displayed and sold in his store: different colors and types of shibari ropes, and a few different sizes of butt plugs, as well. While Tony finishes setting up his camera, he suddenly hears a knock on the door of his store, letting him know Bucky has arrived right on time. Tony tries his hardest not to run to the door as he sees Bucky standing on the other side, sunglasses keeping his long hair out of his face and his tattoos and muscles on display in the morning sun.

"Bucky!" Tony says excitedly as he pulls him in for a hug, which Bucky happily reciprocates. At the same time, he takes a whiff of Tony's cologne - it's the perfect mix of musk and spice combined with the signature smell of Tony's favorite coffee. The two men take the time to enjoy each other's closeness before pulling away, and Tony steps aside to let Bucky into the store. They feel slightly deflated when they pull apart, though neither shows it. They've been hopelessly in love for years, but neither dares to tell the other, as they're afraid to ruin their friendship.

"Did you want to start with coffee to discuss what we will do today?" Tony offered as they set foot in the studio, and Bucky nodded before sitting on the edge of the bed they'll be using later—both for the shoot and the video. Bucky and Tony sit side by side in mere minutes, arms brushing slightly as they look through the plan Tony drafted a few days ago.

"And once the photos are taken, it's time for your video," Tony says once they've gone over everything, and Bucky nods in agreement. When they both move to look at one another, their faces are so close that their lips are almost touching. Still, before either can do anything, Tony gets up to put his laptop away to hide the deep blush that covers his cheeks, and Bucky looks at his now empty coffee mug as he tries to hide his fluster as well.

"So, uhm- Ropes!" Tony says in a slightly raised voice, which Bucky can't help but find adorable, but he nods before getting up so they can move on to the photo shoot. Bucky undresses until he's left in his black jockstrap, and Tony can't help but let his eyes glide over the other man's physique. It's clear Bucky spends a lot of time in the gym, as his muscles are defined to perfection underneath his golden brown skin, and for a moment, Tony's mind seems to shortcircuit.

"Everything okay?" Bucky asks as he's looking over at Tony, who's suddenly all too aware that he got caught ogling his crush.

"I- Yes!" he quickly says before grabbing the first of the shibari ropes: a set of red, white, and blue ropes made of cotton that will be used for Tony's 4th of July campaign. While Bucky goes to sit on the bed on his knees, he can't help but chuckle as he sees the colors, and they remind him of his friend, Steve "The Captain" Rogers, one of the most prominent pornstars of the gay porn industry.

"I have a feeling Steve would love those ropes - they might not be his usual way to go, but it'll be a nice present for his birthday. It's very patriotic, after all. Perfect for his birthday," Bucky says, referencing Steve's birthday on Independence Day.

"If you want, I'm more than happy to wrap up a new set for you when you're done, as well as a few other toys we'll be shooting with today," Tony offers, and Bucky looks back to meet Tony's gaze.

"Are you sure? I mean, you don't have to," Bucky says, but Tony shakes his head, so Bucky knows it's okay.

"I'm sure, Bucky. I'm always happy to participate in the act of gift giving," he says, and Bucky nods before smiling back at him and getting into position again. Tony sits on the bed before pulling Bucky's arms behind his back and bending them at the elbow so he can tie them together in an intricate pattern. Once he's done, he sits back to admire his work momentarily, and Bucky's eyes have slipped shut as he enjoyed the feeling of Tony's hands on his body.

"How's this?" Tony asks, and Bucky confirms that he's comfortable. With that, Tony stands behind the camera, ready to focus on Bucky and the ropes. The red, white, and blue are a perfect contrast against the black and grey of his tattoo sleeve, and the way Bucky effortlessly poses for the camera has Tony rapidly chubbing up in his pants.

Once Tony has shot enough photos in multiple positions, it's time to move on to the other ropes. About halfway through, Bucky pulls a hair elastic off his wrist to tie up his hair in a messy bun, revealing the skin fade on the bottom half of his head. This will also give the other photos a different look, and Tony couldn't be happier. They have done this countless times, so their routine has almost become second nature to them.

"Are you ready to move on to the plugs?" Tony asks once they've gone through the results of the shots. There are a few ones Bucky picks out to save so he can use them on his website for his paying viewers. Bucky hums in agreement and shifts a few times before getting comfortable on the bed.

"It's a good thing I prepped already, but I might need some help to remove the one I'm currently wearing and put in the new one," he says with a wink, and Tony flushes before nodding in agreement. Bucky moves on his elbows and knees, giving Tony the perfect view of a deep red plug that sits comfortably between Bucky's hairless cheeks, which makes his cock twitch in his pants as he's getting almost painfully hard.

Despite this, he sits behind Bucky and helps him take the other plug out, paired with a few soft moans from Bucky. They sound like music to Tony's ears as he carefully works the new plug to replace the old one. As Bucky's empty, Tony takes a moment to enjoy Bucky's gape, his hole not closing on his own anymore due to the size of the plug, and it'll only grow once they move through the different-sized plugs.

"Beautiful," Tony whispers once a light blue plug is nestled between Bucky's cheeks. He presses on the base a few times to ensure it's properly inserted. This causes Bucky to push back, an involuntary moan slipping from his lips as he does, and Tony's reveling in the moment. After a few more moments, Tony moves off the bed and behind the camera again, and before they know it, they've also gone through all the plugs.

"Do you mind me keeping this plug for our video shoot?" Bucky asks as he moves in his spot, feeling the 7-inch plug stimulating him from the inside as he does, which makes him moan, and Tony is getting embarrassingly close to cumming without even a single touch. Not only does he have a major crush on Bucky, but he also gets majorly aroused at the slightest sound of movement of the other man.

"N-Not at all!" he says quickly, and Bucky smiles before getting off the bed to go and get his costume ready for their roleplay video. The viewer has requested a video of Bucky being a police officer, and he's going to arrest Tony, and his punishment will be that he's going to get fucked by Bucky, which they're both more than happy to film. They have never been a stranger to roleplay - it used to be their specialty back when Tony was still in the industry - so this will be like a walk in the park for the pair.

About 15 minutes later, both Tony and Bucky are dressed for the part - Bucky is clad in a police uniform that's tailored to perfection, while Tony's wearing his usual clothes of a half-opened button-up shirt and jeans - and they're ready to start. After Bucky's reassuring nod and smile, Tony presses record on his camera, and then it's go-time.

'Where do you think you're going, thief?" Bucky says as he grabs Tony's arms and pushes him against the wall. Tony can already feel himself throbbing in his pants at the way Bucky manhandles Tony around right now.

"I didn't steal anything, I promise!" Tony says, but Bucky laughs mischievously before pressing himself impossibly close against Tony's backside, his hard cock already digging into the plush flesh of Tony's ass.

"It's too bad that I don't believe you, so you're coming with me so I can punish you and teach you a lesson!" he says before grabbing the handcuffs that were hanging on the loops of his pants and closing them around Tony's wrists with a loud click. Tony's breath hitches as the metal closes around his arms, and he groans once Bucky pulls him back before pushing him onto the bed.

As the scene progresses, Tony slips deeper into subspace, making it harder for him to follow Bucky's orders, though he's trying his hardest. The feeling of Bucky's hands on him, the way he's manhandling him, the countless spankings he's received, and all the praise have him floating to his favorite headspace, and even though it takes him a short while to get onto his knees like Bucky asks, he gets there eventually.

"That's it, good boy," Bucky grunts as he leans forward to line up with Tony's loosened hole, having spent the better part of half an hour working him open with his tongue and fingers, coaxing Tony's first orgasm out of him as well. Tony's already looking completely fucked out, and Bucky can't help but revel at the sight. Combined with the way Tony sounds as Bucky slips his cockhead into his lubed entrance, Bucky has to try his hardest not to cum so soon, as they're only halfway through the soon.

"Fuck- 's so tight," Bucky says through gritted teeth as he slowly works himself further into Tony's welcoming hole, and Tony's officially reduced to a babbling, moaning mess. He doesn't know up from down, left from right, or his name. All he knows is Bucky and how good he makes him feel right now. A deep, guttural moan escapes his chest once Bucky presses in completely, and his eyes roll back into his head at the feeling of being stuffed to the brim.

Bucky takes a moment to let both of them get used to the feeling before grabbing Tony by his shoulders and pulling him back so he's settled on Bucky's lap. Tony's hands are still bound behind his back by the handcuffs, and his head is resting on Bucky's shoulder, exposing his hard, leaking cock beautifully to the camera.

"Are you going to be a good boy and ride this cock? Or will I have to do all the work for you?" Bucky asks, but Tony whines as he shakes his head, and he tries to lift himself off Bucky's cock before sinking, but it's not as easy when he's already this far gone. After a few more tries, Tony gives up on riding him, instead opting to grind down on his cock, which has both men moaning in no time. Bucky lets go of Tony's hip to push a few of his fingers into Tony's mouth, effectively using them as a gag, while he's also leaning into Tony's oral fixation.

"Are you gonna cum for me again?" Bucky asks, and Tony moans around Bucky's fingers as he tries to nod, but to no avail. He's barely able to move as his entire body feels like it is made of cooked noodles, and his brain feels like cotton balls replace it. Bucky takes the hint, though, and he lets go of Tony before pushing him forward and pulling his hips back to meet his own.

The combined sounds of skin slapping against skin, moans, and grunts echo throughout the room, and it doesn't take long for both men to finish - Tony's cum spurting all over the sheets while Bucky's cum fills Tony until he's almost dripping with it as he rides out both their orgasms. Once they're both coming down from their highs, Bucky pulls out before falling onto the bed next to Tony and pulling him close to his body for some much-needed post-sex cuddles.

"You did so well for me, Tony," Bucky whispers into Tony's hair as one of his hands glides over his back in a soothing motion, the other holding Tony close to his chest. Tony is holding onto Bucky like a koala bear as he's gently being brought back to earth. There's a comfortable silence in the studio as they're wrapped in each other's arms and enjoying their closeness.

It takes a while, but eventually, Tony comes back down to earth and starts to shiver, so Bucky pulls the covers over both of them so he can warm up a little.

"How're you feeling? Are you ready for some water and chocolate?" Bucky asks once Tony starts to get restless, and the other man nods.

"Can you sit up for me?" Tony nods, and with slow movements, he sits with his back against the headboard, ready for some water and chocolate to rehydrate himself. It has become their usual routine after sex, and it's something they can both find comfort in, even if there's nothing said at that moment.

"What's on your mind?" Tony eventually asks, and Bucky smiles as he looks at the chocolate in his hand, trying to decide whether to tell Tony what's on his mind. After a few moments, he decides to do it, even though the small voice in his head still tells him it's a bad idea.

"I'm gonna tell you, but you're gonna freak out," Bucky says, but Tony just looks at him with a confused look, worry now starting to take over his entire being.

"I- I'm in love with you. I have been for years, and I can't keep it to myself any longer…" Bucky says, and instead of answering with words, Tony cups Bucky's cheek before leaning in to plant a soft kiss on his lips, letting him know he feels the same about Bucky. They melt into the kiss, enjoying the moment for as long as it lasts.

"I'm in love with you, too, Bucky. Ever since I saw the color of your eyes, I've had a crush on you, and when you were my first queer kiss, I knew had I fallen in love with you. I've been thinking about confessing, too, but now I don't have to anymore. I want to spend the rest of my life together with you by my side, if you want to, of course," he says with a smile, and Bucky can't help but smile alongside him.

"Oh my god, of course I do! I can't believe I get to call you mine," Bucky says before pulling Tony into a kiss, their hands wandering all over the other's body. Tony squeezes Bucky's tattooed bicep as he pulls away, and he goes to move back under the covers, Bucky following suit before pulling him into another kiss. While it's not the first time they're kissing under the covers, it's more special now that they've confessed their love.

After their years of crushing and mutual pining, they finally have their happy ending, and they're excited to see what the future has in store for them. But now that they're together, they can overcome everything on their route to their happily ever after.

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lucy90712 · 7 months

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Ice skating- Fermin Lopez

When it's winter and cold outside there isn't much to do especially when your boyfriend hates the cold and refused to be outside unless he has to be. Somehow I managed convince him to go ice skating with me I was expecting him to fight me on the idea but he happily agreed to go for our date night this week. I'm not sure if I have excellent persuading skills or if Fermin will just say yes to pretty much anything I ask because he loves me. Fermin doesn't know that I have been skating before, I went quite a bit as a kid and I have been a few times as I've got older so I know what I'm doing. I'm definitely not great but I can hold my own on an ice rink but I can't wait to see Fermin on the ice he's never been the most graceful person so I expect he'll be a little unsteady on his feet at best.

Like always he came over before we needed to leave so that he could spend some extra time with me. That's something I love about Fermin he just wants to spend time with me so he'll always come over even when I'm not doing anything interesting or we have no plans as he just enjoys my company. Today he brought lunch with him so we ate lunch together and he helped me get ready by picking out a hoodie of his I have in my collection to wear over my outfit so I don't get cold. He also made me change out of the leggings I had on as he said I'd be too cold so I put some jeans on which he was satisfied with and allowed us to leave the house finally. The ice rink wasn't far from my place but Fermin can no longer just walk through the streets like he used to so he drove there and found somewhere nearby but quiet to park.

We pretty much ran inside as there was a lot of people about and Fermin didn't want to spend ages taking pictures and signing things. He loves the fans he really does but at times like these he doesn't want to be disturbed as there has been occasions when I've waited like 40 minutes just for him to finally be let go by the fans. Once we made it inside there was a lot less people around and none of them seemed too bothered by our presence which was nice. Fermin paid and got our skates before taking me over to a bench so we could actually put them on. I did mine quite quickly as I've done it many times before and I know they need to be tight but Fermin was struggling as they were just too loose on him. He didn't want to admit defeat for a while but after a few attempts he asked for my help so I did his laces up for him.

"Is my big baby ready to go" I laughed

"I'm not a baby skates are just stupid how did you manage it?" he asked

"I've been skating before I went quite a bit as a kid so I knew how to do the laces" I revealed

"Why didn't you tell me I thought we would both struggle together now I'm going to look like an idiot" he said

"You won't look like an idiot I promise most people aren't going to know how to skate" I said

"You'll hold my hand though right?" He asked

"Of course I will can't have you falling over can I" I laughed

Fermin didn't seem to appreciate my joke but still he grabbed my hand and I led him onto the ice. He was as stiff as a board to begin with but I held onto both of his hands and skated backwards so I could teach him how to skate. Fermin is a quick learner and he always listens to instructions so he worked things out pretty quickly and was able to skate next to me when I let go of one of his hands after a few rotations round the ice. As much as he was getting more confident his grip on my hand didn't let up I don't know if that was because he was scared of falling or because he just didn't want to let me go but either way I kind of enjoyed that he felt like he needed to hold onto me so tightly.

We had a lot of fun together talking as we skated round and maybe laughed at a few people who fell spectacularly because it is kind of funny. There was also some amazing little kids who have clearly been having lessons that we just watched in awe both wishing we could do that. It had been the perfect date we got to go out somewhere and enjoy time together without really being disturbed at all. Both of us were having so much fun until some guy came speeding round the rink and slammed right into me. I didn't seem him coming as he was behind us but luckily Fermin is pretty strong as he was able to help keep me on my feet as otherwise I would've been on my ass in seconds. Fermin pulled me into his chest as we both came to a halt in the middle of the ice, his hands went straight to my face to see if I was ok as he can read me like a book by just looking at my expression. I've learnt to read him pretty well too but you didn't need to be a genius to see that he was mad and like really mad.

"Watch where you're going mate" Fermin shouted after the guy who just kept going

"Are you ok amor?" He asked

"I'm completely fine I just didn't see him coming" I said

"I'm not surprised he should've gotten out the way but he didn't because he's an asshole" he raged

"It's ok forget about that and forget about him I'm not hurt so everything's fine" I said trying to calm him down

"I'm glad you're ok but that doesn't mean that guy should get away with doing that" he continued to argue

"Why don't we get out of here so we don't have to worry about him any more and before you do something you'll regret" I suggested

"We should get hot chocolate to warm us up" Fermin said with a complete change of mood

Thankfully there is a cafe just across the road from the ice rink so we headed straight there and ordered two hot chocolates with marshmallows. I left Fermin to get the drinks while I found a table for us both and he came back he had the two hot chocolates but also a cupcake which he put in front of me with a big smile on his face. I tried to share with him but he insisted that I sat the whole thing and who am I to say no to a cupcake especially one that was so delicious. Fermin quickly forgot about what happened with that guy and was just saying how much he enjoyed ice skating and that he wants to go again so that he can get good at it. Of course we can’t go that often but we agreed that we should go together again for another date night which I’m really looking forward to.

#fermin lopez #fermin lopez x reader #fermin lopez imagine #football imagine

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skiiyoomin · 7 months

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ʚSinopsis: You try to cook something for your boyfriend, but your plan backfires completely. Thankfully he´s there to teach you, but you get a little sidetracked in that lesson.

ʚContent: smut with little plot, fem! pet names, reader has female body parts, swearing

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a/n After a very long awaited time, as promised, here is a part 2 of Cook Sukuna! @better-imagination-9 this ones for you <3 this turned out wayyy longer than i expected, but i hope you enjoy nonetheless

The day you saw Sukuna cook for the first time, something sparked inside you. Your mind flashed with a sudden memory, of the chef from Ratatouille. "Anyone can cook" is what he quoted. If a rat could manage to cook like Gordon Ramsay, why couldn't you.

An hour later, your kitchen had paid the consequences of your actions. You had somehow managed to set your pan on fire and overcook the vegetables. Instead of delicious soft slices of carrots and onions, your eyes found hard black crispy pieces of what were supposed to be said vegetables. So the chef lied. Not everyone can cook. Damn him.

And if things could get any worse better, Sukuna had gotten home just in time to see the catastrophic mess you had made. Your attempt to cover the mess was absolutely futile, Sukunas eyes had already taken in the disaster, not like you could hide much anyway. To your surprise, instead of scolding you, he barked out a boisterous laugh, folding over hysterically.

Once his laughter turned into soft chuckles, he straightened his back and glanced around the kitchen once more.

"Wow, you are really bad at this"

He said between fits of chuckles, wiping a small tear from his eye. And if the massive blush on your cheeks wasn't an indication enough of your embarrassment, your figure turning around so your back was facing him definitely was.

In your defense, you wanted to do something nice....and you didn't realize just how bad your cooking skills were....

Strong buff arms circle around your waist. Sukunas chin nestles on your shoulder, his teasing grin never ceasing from his infuriatingly handsome face.

"Hey c'mon now dollface, you know I'm just messing with ya"

Out of pure spite and pettiness, you turn your head away from his sharp gaze, outright refusing to give in so quickly, you had too much pride for that. Sukunas own stubborness had him forcing you to turn in his embrace and tilting your chin up so your wide eyes were looking up into his own.

"Princess, don´t be so embarrassed"

His lips quirked up into that smirk that, out of your own free will, had your not very hard, in Sukunas expertised opinion, resolving in mere seconds. His smirk widened and his vermilion eyes followed your moves as you lowered your head with a sulk.

"Just wanted to do something nice since you always cook for me"

Your mumble was barely audible, but still loud enough that Sukuna caught onto it. Rough calloused hands cupped your cheeks and once more tilted your head up to his.

"How 'bout I teach you then?"

He suggests with an unusually soft smile, and honestly, who were you to say no? You get free cooking lessons AND get to see Sukuna cook, you´d be an idiot to turn that type of offer down.

With that said, you both got to work cleaning the mess you had previously made and instead opted for cooking a simpler recipe. And you would say you were doing exceptionally well with Sukunas guide, but truthfully, he was doing most of the hard work.

Sukuna, feeling your very blatant staring, smirked to himself and swiftly glanced at your figure by his side, supposedly mixing the veggies. He had a big enough ego, but the way your eyes intently followed his movements and the way you were practically drooling over him had his cock hardening in his pants.

He moved to stand behind you, his large frame towering over yours. With a strong hand on your waist and another above your own holding the wooden spoon, he began moving his arm in slow circles, helping you do a fairly easy task.

Nevertheless, your mind was focused on anything but the task at hand. Instead, you were fixated on the feeling of his buff chest pressed against your back, on his hands on you, of his strong cologne filling your nostrils and blurring your senses.

You gulped, your breath picking up its pace and your chest beginning to rise and fall in uneven paces. And of course, ever the so perceptive man, Sukuna noticed. In a teasing motion, he began pressing soft kisses to the back of your neck, knowing fully well that it was your weak spot. Your hand trembled as you slowed down the pace of your stirring, too focused on the feeling of his soft lips against your sensitive skin.

"Who said you could stop dollface?"

His low deep voice tingled in your ears, his warm breath causing a shiver to run down your spine. With a small whine, you attempted to speed up your pace, but Sukunas teasing didn´t cease, and your senses didn´t clear up, rendering your simple task to be impossible.

A soft whine escaped past your lips as he gently suckled on the side of your neck. His hand left its place resting above your own and instead made its way underneath your loose shirt. Goosebumps rose up at the sensation of the pads of his fingers feeling the warm skin of your torso, soon enough finding its way to his target. Despite the coverage of your bra, Sukuna had no trouble finding your hardened nipples and rubbing his thumb above the smooth silk of the fabric.

Much to his pleasure, your body trembled and your back straightened, the soft whines continuing to errupt from your throat. His other hand that was previously resting on your waist, made its way down the opposite direction. The movement caused you, in an embarrasingly instinctive motion, to spread your legs apart just enough to grant him space. With a low chuckle, his long fingers slipped under the soft fabric of your panties, massaging in a taunting motion your bundle of nerves, feeling the arousal that had pooled in your panties a while ago.

Your whines turned into soft timid moans that filled the silence of the kitchen. The movement of his lips on your neck didn´t stop as he continued to pleasure you. Instead, he turned the fire off and flipped you around to face him. Manhandling you with ease, he grabbed the back of your thighs, propping you up on the island and going straight for your neck once more. Without a moments hesitation, he began to lower your shorts and panties, revealing your achingly wet pussy.

Sukuna felt his painfully hard cock twitch at the mere sight, and without a single second to waste, he lowered his own pants down until his large cock slapped against his stomach. No matter how many times you had seen him, you could never get over the drooling sight of his long and thick cock. He had one or two prominent veins and the most beautiful achingly red tip that had your thight cunt throbbing to feel him inside.

It was almost as if he read your mind, because almost immediately, he lined himself up to your entrance and propped his tip inside. Even the feeling of his tip had your back arching just the slightest bit and your breaths turning into small pants.

You let out a long whine as he pushed the rest of his length inside, his words edging you on.

"Fuck babygirl, your pussys so tight"

He groaned low in your ear, thrusting at in increasingly fast past that had you seeing stars. He grabbed the back of your knees and pushed them up to your chest, folding you with ease. The position let him pound into your pussy mercilessly, the feeling of his cock filling you to the very brim sending you over to cloud 9.

You screamed out his name like a mantra, loud enough that you were certain the neighbours could hear you, but it´s not like you could stop, not with the way he was practically fucking your brains out.

"Shiiittt, taking me so good, you like that huh? Like the way im spreading you open?"

You could only answer with more moans, his dirty words clouding your mind and his tip slamming in your g-spot making you dumb.

Feeling your cunt squeezing him tight made him see stars and his cock twitch, signaling his reaching orgasm. You weren´t too far off as you arched your back and threw your head back, your pussy unconciously squeezing even more.

"mmgh ´Kuna m´ close"

Is all you can manage to whine out between moans, the feeling of the knot forming in your stomach overfilling your senses. With one last hard thrust, the knot snapped. Your body twitched and writhed uncontrollably, your eyes rolling to the back of your head. Sukuna grunted lowly as he spilled his cum inside you, filling you up to the very brim, and the sight of his hot sticky seed dripping down your hole as he pulled out was enough to get him feeling aroused again.

He leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your inner thigh. When he looked up, his eyes were darkened with renewed excitment.

"Don´t think i´m finished with you just yet princess"

You had a looong night ahead of you.

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inuiiwonderland · 2 years

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THE DEADLY CURSE

A/n:I finally did it! This idea has been on my mind for weeks, so here it is! If this does well then I'm also gonna write for the other dorms! This is the longest fic I ever wrote so this better not flop😓

Warning: mentions of blood, throwing up[once], angst and angst, super long BTW and uh that it I think!

Words:10k

Fem reader!

Heartsalbyul❤

RIDDLE ROSEHEART

You have liked riddle ever since you defeated his overblot. At first, you thought he was annoying with all the strict rules he made everyone in his dorm follow. But after what happened with his overblot incident, you decided to give him a chance.

And at first it wasn't easy to become friends with the red head tyrant. You would get laughed at by Ace when you told him you wanted to become friends with his dorm leader. Assuming you were just joking, Ace didn't really pay much attention to it.

Until one day when you, grim and the adeuce duo were in the cafeteria showing each other your test scores from Mr. Crewel class.

"HA! I got a better score than you!" You said as you continued laughing at his face.You could tell Ace was pissed by your comment.

"Even grim did a little better than you by 1 percent" Deuce said which caused Ace to roll his eyes.

"Finally! It isn't me getting laugh at this time!" Grim cheered out.

"Shut up! At least I passed Mr. Vargas' class unlike you!"

"Hey! You always trip me, that ain't fair!"

As the two began bickering while poor deuce tried to calm them down, you didn't notice the person behind you who was listening the whole time.

"Mm you did a good job on that test…wish Ace learned a thing or two from you"

"Oh, thanks riddle" it took you 5 seconds to process the voice from behind you and when you did you quickly turned around.

"Wait…riddle?!" At this you caught the attention of your friends who immediately stopped arguing. Ace gulped seeing his dorm leader in front of him and quickly hid his test sheet.

"Heyyyy riddle…what are you doing here?"

"It's lunch time Ace"

"Oh! Right…right" riddle sighs and looks at Ace with disappointment.

"You failed the test didn't you?"

"What! No!"

He just stared at him with a deadpan expression and rubbed his temple.

"I made sure to give you extra tutoring lessons and yet you still failed" You could tell he was upset with this and all you could do was stare at his face and think…

Since when was riddle cute?

And before you knew it, you blurted something out.

"Cute…"

"Huh?" You quickly looked away and noticed your friends staring at you.

"Ahh! I-I said how about I tutor Ace! Yeah! I passed the test with a 98 so I'll be able to help him out with the next!"

He just stared at you for a bit before giving you an answer.

"Fine, but I expect a good score on the next test and no goofing around! You may be Ace's friend y/n but I expect you to not let Ace slack off or anything of the sort, or else that will be off with your head for both of you!"

"No worries! I got this" He gave you both one last warning before walking away. All you could do was sit there with a beating heart and a headache about what you just got yourself into.

"Great, now I gotta help this idiot pass the next test"

"Hey!"

Your tutoring session with Ace started the next day. Riddle said that he would like you to tutor Ace in his dorm rather than yours so he can check up on you both once in a while.

You and Ace both began your session and you started helping him out on some assignments that he has trouble with. Trey would also stop by to bring you two snacks to eat when you guys take a break from studying.

Soon weeks go by and you spend half of your time in the heartsalbyul dorm. Tutoring Ace for those weeks really paid off when he shows you that 90% he got on that re-take.

"Woah I'm surprised I did a good job teaching you" you say as he showed you his paper.

"Well it looks like you knew what you were doing, offering riddle for you to tutor me" you rolled your eyes and bit into the soft pastry trey made you.

"Well you did a good job"

You and Ace hung out for a while before you saw that it was getting late and that you needed to be at your dorm. After saying goodbye, you started making your way out. As you were walking out you were stopped by someone calling out your name from behind you.

"Oh riddle! Something wrong?" You ask as he approaches you.

"No. But I would like to thank you for aces tutoring lessons. You did a great job and I would like to thank you"

"Oh! It was nothing really! I just wanted to help out a bit seeing that you looked a little upset last time. I'm honestly surprised Ace managed to pass with my help" You say as you felt yourself getting shy.

Why am I nervous?

"I'd still like to thank you. We're holding an unbirthday party this week. I would like it if you would come, as a thank you for everything you have done…uh especially after my overblot…"

You stared at him for a moment. Heart racing against your chest. You quickly got out of your daze and accepted his offer.

"I'll come then"

"Great, it will be Friday at 4. See you then"

"O-okay!" You watched as he walk away and you felt like slapping yourself.

"Why was I so nervous?" You questioned yourself as you continued your way back to ramshackles.

Ever since that day, you and riddle have gotten closer. He would invite you over to unbirthday parties, invite you for some tea, and even help you out with some classes that you're doing poorly in.

And because of all that. You felt yourself slowly starting to fall in love with the red head tyrant.

And you knew. You knew that you should be careful with who you fall in love with. Because of a stupid family curse, you need to be extra careful with who you fall for.

Your mother was lucky enough that your father loved her very much. And you always dreamed of falling in love with someone who also loves you back so you wouldn't have to worry about that curse.

As day's turn into weeks and weeks turn into months.

You have already fallen deeper for riddle roseheart.

And in those months you were able to form a friendship with the dorm leader of heartsalbyul.

No one knew about your family curse. Not even your close friends the first years. The only thing they knew is your huge crush on ace and deuce dorm leader.

"Yuck, out of everyone here in NRC you chose riddle?" You rolled your eyes at your friend's disgusted expression.

"He is not that bad. Riddle is…nice"

"Nice? Yeah right"

You ignored Ace and continued working on some assignments.

"So when are you even gonna confess to him?" You went stiff when you heard grim question and you could feel everyone's eyes on you.

"Oh.…um well I still don't know yet"

"You don't know yet? I thought you already had something in mind since you have been crushing on him for the last few months" you chuckle and continue doing your work.

But as you were working, grim question made you think.

When will you confess?

You won't get anywhere if you keep your feelings to yourself.

So you decided to do something about it.

That night. You stayed up thinking how you should tell riddle how you feel. You knew you had to be careful with the decision you were about to make.

Knowing that your life is on the line

That night you slept with fear and hope. Fear because you don't know if riddle is gonna reject you. And hope because he might feel the same way.

The next day came quickly. And you were sure that people could tell you were nervous by the way you were fiddling with the hem of your shirt.

"Are you ok y/n?" Epel's voice pulled you out of your thoughts and you realized that everyone was busy writing down notes.

"Huh?...oh um I'm fine" you say as you grab your pencil and begin writing down the notes on the board.

"You sure? You look nervous"

"I'm fine epel. No need to worry" you say as you give him a soft smile. He wasn't fully convinced but left you alone for now.

You finished all your classes and it was nearing the end of the day. You check your bag to see if the note was still there and smiled when you saw that it was in your bag.

"Ok…now to find riddle"

You started walking around. Trying to find the little redhead and to your surprise you found him.

"Well that was quick" You quickly made your way to him and called out his name.

"Riddle!" He turned around to see you running towards him and you could've swore your heart stopped.

"Y/n, what did I say about running in the halls"

"Sorry sorry!"

"Is something wrong?"

You took a deep breath and took the note out of your bag. You couldn't trust yourself into speaking out your feelings so you decided on writing it down on a piece of paper.

"Uh here…read it"

"What is it?"

"You will know if you read it"

He sighed and began reading the note. You stood there quietly trying to read his facial expression while he was reading your note. Heart beating none stop while your legs felt like jelly you were scared of the outcome.

Once he finished reading you clenched your fist and avoided eye contact.

"Y/n…" that tone was already starting to make you nervous.

"Y/n…I'm sorry…but I don't feel the same way"

Those words were enough for you to accept your fate.

"Oh…"

"Y/n look-"

"No, you're fine. Thank you for taking your time on reading this. I'll go now and sorry for wasting your time" you said as you quickly turned around and rushed out of there.

You could hear him call out your name but you ignored it. Not because you were mad but because you were already starting to feel a burning sensation in your chest.

"Fuck" you whispered as you could feel the pain go through your whole entire body.

"I-I just gotta make it to ramshackles" You whispered out as you made your way there as quickly as possible.

You finally made it and you ran to the closest bathroom. You closed and locked the door as your body trembled from the pain. You whined when you felt something burning in your chest.

When your love isn't returned. Your heart and soul would burn. The pain in a heartbreak would go through not only your heart, but your body also.

The words of your mother ran through your head. She once said that she would never want something like that to happen to you. The pain being described as awful and torture by past family relatives who were unlucky enough in the love department.

But you once never thought YOU would experience it.

And now. You felt a deep sense of pity for the ones in your family who had to experience something so awful until their last breath.

Your body stops shaking. But the pain was still there, but not as bad as when it first started.

You stood there thinking. How will you keep this a secret? How would you hide this from the others until your last breath?

"At least I'll die loving him"

knock

"Y/n? Are you okay in there?"

Shit

It Was deuce. And then you heard a couple footsteps coming closer to the bathroom door.

"I-im fine!" You curse yourself when you notice that your voice came out shaky and weak.

"Is that blood?" Jack said.

You froze. You slowly looked up to the mirror and saw blood running down your nose.

A lot of blood

"Shit"

"We're coming in"

"W-wait! No!" But it was too late and the door opened. You quickly turned around from facing their direction.

"Y/n"

"Holy shit there's a lot of blood on the floor" at ace words, you slowly looked down to see a puddle of blood by your feet.

"Y/n what the fuck happened?"

"Did someone do this to you?!"

"Oh God you're bleeding so much!"

Question after question started to slowly give you a headache. You raised your hand up to your face and slowly backed away.

"I'm fine-n-no need to worry!"

Of course the bathroom looked like a crime scene with the amount of blood on the floor. After all this is the beginning of the curse.

Blood everywhere. Blood will be everywhere making it look like a murder scene. That's what we saw in aunt Gloria's room.

Aunt Gloria. She was one of the victims of this deathly curse 16 years ago. You remember your mom talking about your aunt's death a few years ago when you learnt about the mysterious curse that was in your family bloodline.

So of course you weren't surprised seeing blood everywhere.

"Y/n please tell us what happened" you looked up to see deuce who crouched down to look at your face better. Since you were now sitting on the bloody puddle.

"I-I….it's nothing"

"What do you mean it's nothing?! You have blood coming out of ya nose!" Epel yelled as he started rushing towards you with a cloth to clean the blood off your face.

"Hey, at least tell us what happened!"

"We're worried sick human!"

Both grim and sebek yell as they also tried to bring in more tissue.

You sat there as they tried to stop the blood from coming out while also trying to know what happened. You sigh and grab deuce wrist to stop him from holding the tissue to your nose.

"If I tell you guy's��.promise to not tell anyone"

"But-"

"Promise" you said with a harsh tone. They all looked at each other before nodding.

And that's when you told them everything. About the family curse, riddle rejecting you, and now the curse taking effect over your whole body.

And as you told them more and more you could see the horror on their faces. The mere thought of you dying because of getting rejected really scared them to the core.

"So…your dying?"

"Slowly…I'll suffer a slow death but yes I am dying"

By now your nose stopped bleeding and the pain in your chest stopped. But you know that it will come back later.

Deuce and Ace helped you get up from the floor while epel, Jack, and sebek stayed behind to clean off the blood in the bathroom. And grim stared at you worriedly while you guys made your way upstairs.

"That damn jerk, now you gotta suffer all because of him" Ace muttered under his breath while helping you get to your room.

"It's not his fault…"

"Still…now you have to suffer" You felt his hold on you tighten and you felt bad. Deuce was shaking but didn't say anything on the way to your room.

"I'm sorry"

"For what? You didn't do anything"

"....." You stayed silent. You finally made it to your room and they helped you sit down on your bed.

"For..how long is this going to take?"

"I don't know…I remember my mom say that it takes up to a month or two for the victim to die"

The room went silent. None of them speaking up or asking more questions.

Just pure silence.

After that day. The first year crew made it their mission to be by your side at all cost until your last breath. You of course didn't ignore riddle. You didn't want to make it seem like something was wrong so you'll greet him every now and then when you see him.

Riddle of course wasn't fully convinced after seeing how weak you got over the past few weeks. Each time he tried to ask what wrong you will either run away or get taken away by one of the first years.

And this made him annoyed. So one afternoon riddle decided to ask a certain blue and red head duo what was going on.

"Deuce, Ace, may I have a word with you two?"

"Uh sure housewarden riddle"

"Sure"

He could see that the two were in a hurry. Which made him a little suspicious but didn't say anything.

"I've seen y/n hasn't been doing well the past couple weeks" at this, the two first years stiffened.

"I was wondering if anything is going on. Seeing that you two have been hanging out with the prefect more than usual"

"Oh everything is fine!"

"Yeah! Y/n is just um tired with the tests we had recently!"

"Test?" Riddle said confused.

"Yep!"

"Then why does y/n look…ill?"

"I-"

Before Deuce could say anything, he was cut off by Ace's phone ringing. Ace pick up not caring that his housewarden was literally talking to him.

"W-what?! Okay me and deuce will be right there!"

"What happened-"

"Y/n…" the moment your name left his mouth deuce ran out the dorm.

This of course grabbed riddle attention.

"Ace, I demand you give me an explanation on what's happening!"

"I can't right now! I-I have to go!"

"Ace!" He yelled while holding a firm grip on his wrist.

"Fuck y/n is dying okay?! Now let me go!"

"What?" His hold on Aces wrist loosened and Ace was able to run out the dorm.

The time the heartsalbyul first years got there, they saw the staff members and ambulances in front of ramshackles. They both quickly ran inside, ignoring their teachers yelling after them.

The sight they saw in front of them was something straight out of a nightmare.

There, on the floor laid you with blood everywhere. Jack, sebek, epel were trying to calm down a sobbing grim while the paramedics tried stopping the blood coming out of your nose and mouth.

"W-what the hell happened?!"

"We don't know! We were just about to enter when we heard a scream and when we came in we saw her like this!"

Before any of them could talk further, one of the paramedics yelled out something that made them all freeze on their spots.

"She stopped breathing!"

"There no pulse!"

And when those words were shouted out. There, by the door stood the heartsalbyul housewarden.

"W-what"

Standing by the door…was riddle. Hand over his mouth as tears ran down his face.

Ace screams and was ready to throw a punch at his housewarden but was stopped by Jack and sebek who grabbed ahold of both his arms.

That day riddle learned the truth about you and your curse.

TREY CLOVER

Trey was your childhood best friend along with riddle and che'nya. You four would do almost everything together and would help riddle sneak out once in a while to play with you three.

And of course as every cliche romance book or movie, you ended up falling for your best friend.

You still remember the time you got cheated on by your very first boyfriend and trey was there to comfort you by baking you some warm treats and doing a movie night.

That was when you fell in love with trey clover.

As years went by, you slowly started falling for him more and more. You would bother riddle and che'nya by gushing about trey every chance you get. While che'nya just giggles or laughs, riddle on the other hand is annoyed.

You would talk about how good he looked in class today or talk about something cute he did today and riddle would just stare at you with a deadpan expression.

"I'll call animal control to come get you"

"No wait! I still haven't told you about what trey did today!"

"And I don't want to know"

"Haha~ you're so lame riddle! Y/n over here just wants to tell us more about her crush!" Riddle sighs and let's you continue and you just squeal as you tell them every detail about today.

And since they know about your crush, they also know about your family curse.

When you first told riddle and che'nya, both of them of course felt bad and che'nya cried for an hour, which resulted in you trying to calm him down. And obviously both were a little worried when you told them about your crush on trey. Worried that something might happen to you.

And you of course reassured them and said that you will be okay.

But deep down you weren't. You feared that trey might not feel the same. Scared that he will reject you. There have been nights where you would cry yourself to sleep. You would wake up to call your mom about nightmares you would get and she would try her best to calm you down and comfort you.

You tried to be positive. Make yourself believe that everything is going to be fine. And fool yourself into believing that you and trey can become something more.

Today was a rather boring night. You were bored out of your mind and couldn't fall back asleep. You turned to look at the clock and noticed that it was 2 am.

"Man…I still have a few hours left"

You sigh as you decide to go on your phone. As you were doing that, you suddenly got a notification.

Mischievous catboy⦮⑅⦯

You rolled your eyes when you noticed who just texted you.

Are you up?

The text read. You rolled over on your stomach and quickly texted back a response.

You see that he has seen your message. He quickly types back a response.

Woah, didn't know you can sleep type

You snicker at his response and quickly type back.

What do you want

It didn't take long for him to respond back.

Let's go get some take out!

Che'nya…it's literally 2 am

So? That never stopped me before

You thought about it for a moment. You just woke up and can't fall back asleep. So what better than sneaking out and getting free food?

Fine

You got up from your bed and quickly went to put on some sweats and a jacket. You grabbed your phone and saw that he was waiting for you outside.

"What the- guess he has been waiting for a while now"

You quickly but quietly open the door to your room and step out to the hallway. You made sure not to make any noise on your way out of your dorm.

After all, if riddle finds out you snuck out then that will be off with your head.

You soon meet che'nya waiting right outside for you.

"How did you even get in?"

"I have my ways. Now let's go before we get caught by Mr grumpy pants" You both giggle at the name and start making your way out.

"So, when are you confessing to your little boyfriend?" He teases. You scoff and playfully elbowed him.

"He not my boyfriend"

"Yett!"

You rolled your eyes as you both crossed the street.

"But still…I don't know when I'll tell trey about my feelings"

"Do you ever think you'll be able to?" He asks. And that was a good question.

Do you think you will ever be ready to tell him?

"I don't know"

He noticed the little frown on your face and decided to change the topic.

"It was a pain in the ass to get here"

"How so?"

"I almost got caught by a night guard who patrols around RSA" You laugh as che'nya tells you more about his struggles to get to NRC.

You both continued to chat about whatever came to mind and finally found a good place that was still open at the late hour-or more like early hour.

You and che'nya hung out for a couple of hours before he had to make his way back to RSA. You both bid goodbye and walked your separate ways.

During your walk back to NRC. You thought about what che'nya said earlier.

When will you confess?

You wished you could but you weren't lucky in the love department. You could be at risk at any moment by simply not getting your feelings returned.

And you thought it was stupid.

Stupid for being scared to fall in love. Stupid for having your life at risk if the guy you love doesn't love you back.

You thought the whole thing was stupid.

The time you found out about your curse was the most heartbreaking moment ever in your life.

You were confused on why you didn't fall ill that day when you got heartbroken by your first boyfriend. Only for your mom to tell you that the curse only takes over if you actually truly love someone.

The boy you dated in the past wasn't someone you loved dearly. It was only a one time thing as your mom likes to call it.

So that's why you didn't fall sick. But the love that you have for Trey is totally different from the love that you had for that ex of yours.

Trey is someone you actually do love. Someone you love dearly to the point that the curse isn't the only thing that will take you away.

So when your mother found out. She told you to be careful. To think before you do anything that you will regret later.

And you thought about it for a while. As the years went by you made sure to think before you act.

And maybe that is what made you do what you did today. You stood right in front of trey door room. You were nervously fidgeting with the bracelet that you had on and were already second guessing if this was a good idea.

But as you were about to back down. The door to trey room suddenly opens leaving you to stay still on your spot.

"Y/n? Need something?" He asks as he looks at you curiously.

"Oh-um actually yeah. There something important I need to tell you"

"Oh really? Well come on in then" he stepped aside to let you in. You took a deep breath before walking in his room.

"What do you need to tell me?"

"Oh well…"

He pats for you to sit next to him but you kindly decline.

"Actually…It's something that I really wanted to tell you about for a while now"

"Really?"

"Yeah….trey the thing is…" You suddenly felt like your legs were about to give up by how much your legs were shaking.

"The thing is…I have liked you for quite some time now"

You looked anywhere but his face the whole entire time as you were confessing.

"I have liked you ever since middle school. I never told you this because of fear for our friendship"

You finally looked at him and felt like running out of there by the look on his face.

He looked at you in pity.

"Y/n…."

Shit

"I like you I really do but…not in that way you like me"

"Oh"

"You're a great person really! But I don't feel-"

"It's fine! No need to apologize or anything" you say with a soft smile. He still looked guilty but you reassured him that you were fine and that you aren't mad.

"I just hope we can still be great friends after this!" You say as he gave you a nod.

"Totally! This won't ruin our years of friendship" You smiled at that before excusing yourself out. The moment you stepped out of his room was when you finally let your tears fall.

You quickly ran to the one person who would know how to calm you down.

"Riddle!" You choked out as you barged into his room unexpectedly causing the poor redhead to jump from the sudden intrusion.

"Y/n what did I tell you about-are you crying?!" He quickly got up from his chair and made his way towards you who was crying hysterically on his bedroom floor.

"What happened?" He said as he tried his best to calm you down.

"I-I finally t-told him and!" That explained everything he needed to know. He sighs as he caresses your back as you sob on his chest.

"I told him and…he doesn't feel the same way"

He didn't know what else to say but let you cry on him. But what made him tighten his hold on you was your fate.

You will fall ill soon

After that day. He noticed how you were slowly starting to get sick.

It wasn't bad yet but riddle and che'nya notice how you would get bad headaches and chest pain.

You also knew what was about to come when that would happen. You tried your best to act as normal as possible but the pain was making it hard.

You tried your hardest to act normal around your friends who didn't know what was going on. Especially trey. He notice how weak you have gotten over the past week. How you would have to excuse yourself to the bathroom every now and then and how he walked in on you throwing up while Carter helped get your hair out of the way.

As time went by, He started to slowly get suspicious of his three friends. He could feel that you three were hiding something from him and that made him a little sad.

He tries to ask riddle or che'nya but everytime he does they either freeze up or try to change the topic.

A month has passed since trey rejected you and now the pain has gotten worse. You could barely even walk without having to grab onto something or someone for support. Blood would occasionally start coming out from your nose and even your mouth. The headaches have gotten worse and now you feel like just ending it all right then and there.

Today wasn't any better. You felt sick and you could barely hold your pencil correctly as you tried to keep up with the notes on the board.

"Hey y/n, are you okay?" You looked to your right to see cater looking at you worriedly.

"Huh?..oh yeah I'm fine"

"You sure?"

"Yeah um I just didn't get any sleep last night" you could see he wasn't fully convinced but he just let it go for now.

As you were writing down the last few sentences, you felt a sharp pain go through your chest and your whole body. You let out a low gasp and drop your pencil.

"Are you oka-y/n you're bleeding!" Cater's voice was muffled as you noticed your vision getting blurry.

Ah it's finally time

You could hear cater going into panic mode as he shook you to stay awake. But even if you tried, you couldn't fight back to keep your eyes open as you slowly started going into a deep sleep.

Riddle was walking back to class after using the restroom only to hear panic erupt from a nearby classroom. He walked past but stopped when he noticed that it was your class and the main cause of the panic.

He quickly rushes in to see the teacher calling the ambulances while students surround a panic cater and you who was bleeding from the mouth and nose.

"Y/n!"

He quickly pushes past the other students and tries to shake you awake. But even as he was calling out your name and trying to wake you up he knew that you were already gone.

The curse has finally taken you away

"No. Not now…not yet!" He yelled out as he tried to wake you up.

By the loud commotion that was going on in the classroom teachers and other students nearby rushed inside.

One of the students being trey. The moment he saw you and people surrounding you he froze.

"The ambulance is here! Get them here!"

One student ran past trey to go get the paramedics. All the while he just stood there in shock.

"She's gone…there is no need for them to be here" He heard riddle say as he just held your hand tight.

"How-what even-"

The paramedics finally came in and teachers rushed to pull the students away. Riddle finally let go of your hand before walking out the classroom.

But not before telling trey about your curse.

"Y/n had a family curse…the day you rejected her love for you was the day the curse finally took over"

"She died…because of me?"

Riddle didn't say anything and left.

All trey could do was just stand there and watch as his best friend gets taken away.

CATER DIAMOND

You have liked cater since you two were first years. You would always get so shy and nervous around him at first. But sometime around your 2nd year, you and cater started to talk more.

You remember that you were both paired up for a project for one of your classes and almost passed out when you heard the teacher announce who your partner was.

You remember being so nervous and you would have to have trey calm you down and reassure you that cater won't eat you or anything.

"Y/n~"

You looked up from your phone to see a very excited cater running up to you.

"Yes?" You said as you put your phone down and gave him your full attention.

"Look how many likes I got from this post!" He said as he excitedly showed you his phone. It was a picture he took the other day when you both went to a new cat Cafe that recently opened up.

"I told you it will blow up" He smiled and took a seat next to you.

"We should go there again some other time. I really liked the pastry there, plus the cute cats"

"We should. How about this weekend?" you suggested as you took a sip of your drink that you bought from a nearby store.

"That sounds good"

You looked at the time and noticed that it was getting pretty late. You got up which grabbed his attention as you picked up your bag.

"Well gotta go. I don't want azul to send floyd to come get me like last time" you say. Shivering at the memory.

"Alright, get there safely!"

"Mhm!"

You began your walk back to octavinelle. Earphones in and humming the song that was blasting through your ears. All you could do on your walk back was think about cater.

Cater, cater, cater~

That is all you would ever think about. The cute Diamond on his cheek, his beautiful hair, and his awesome guitar skills!

By all this thinking you didn't even realize that you made it to the hall of mirrors. You quickly walk to the octavinelle mirror so as to not be late.

"Your late"

You jump at the sudden voice that awaited you at the front entrance of your dorm.

"Azul! Man you scared me" He raised a brow and while you tried to calm your beating heart. He sighs as he massages his temple all the while you just gave him an awkward smile.

"You know the rules"

"Oh come on" the look he gave you was enough for you to stop whining and quickly walk in.

"You're lucky you're here. I almost sent floyd to come get you"

"Please don't"

"Then get here faster. Now come and help out at the lounge"

You just gave him a nod and quickly went to your room to leave your stuff before rushing to the lounge to help out.

Your family curse was no secret to the octotrio. They knew the moment you accidentally blurted it out during a mental breakdown a few months back.

Knowing how they are made you scared at first. Thinking azul would find a way to get you into a contract with this secret of yours. But surprisingly, the octotrio were nice enough to comfort you during that moment. [Mostly jade since azul didn't know what to do while floyd cried]

You consider the trio as younger brothers. Even though you're just a year older you would always tease them about it. So of course the moment they found out they were super worried.

They asked if there was anything that could help change or cure the curse but all you did was give them a sad smile.

You wish there was a cure but sadly there isn't. You remember their sad faces and you didn't know if YOU needed the comfort or them.

And you were glad that they kept this bit of information to themselves rather than using it to blackmail you. They obviously also know your crush on the heartsalbyul 3rd year and would tease you as much as they can when they see you together.

You were wiping down tables when you heard your name being called.

"Shrimpy!" Or nickname.

"Yes floyd?" You smiled as he ran to you before crushing you into a big hug.

"When did you get here?"

"I just got here a few minutes ago. Why? You miss me?" You teased as he just flicked your forehead.

"No"

"Suree"

"Y/n, floyd, get back to work" You heard jade say.

"You heard your brother"

"Ughh"

You giggle before continuing back on cleaning the tables.

The evening went by a little faster than usual and you guys managed to close up early. You made your way back to your room and took a quick shower before going to bed.

"Ahh~ today was tiring" You say as you curl up on your bed. You grabbed your phone and went on magicam to stalk your crush profile.

You saw a recent pic of him and his band mates from the light music club posing while the caption read "finishing up practice early◇"

You giggle and like the picture before exiting out the app. You decided to call it a night and go to sleep.

Unaware of tomorrow's events

Class was over and you were making your way to the cafeteria. You were a little tired since you didn't get much sleep last night. You kept waking up because of a weird dream you had but you didn't pay any mind to it.

You took a seat and started eating while trying your hardest to stay awake.

"Tired?"

"Mm?" You look up to see azul and the tweels.

"Oh…yeah didn't get much sleep"

"How so?"

"Mm just had a weird dream. Kept waking me up, nothing serious"

"Oooo is shrimpy getting nightmares~?" Floyd teased and you scoff.

"No. It was just a weird dream, no nightmare" Floyd laughs as he continues to tease you.

"Okay that enough floyd"

"Aww you're no fun"

You four chatted for a while before the bell rang. Signaling that it was time to go.

"Oh and one more thing!"

"Yes?"

"You'll be in charge of taking orders today"

"Azul!"

"No complaining"

"Mannn"

"Tuff luck shrimpy hehehe~" You rolled your eyes before quickly walking to your next class.

It was Friday meaning it will be extra busy at the mostro lounge. The day ended quickly and you were the first one to leave the class since you wanted to beat the others to the lounge first.

But as you were walking, you saw cater in the halls which cause you to smile and run over to him.

"Cater!" He turned around and smiled when he saw you.

"Oh y/n! Are you heading to the lounge?"

"Mhm! Azul said I have to take orders today though" You were still mad about that since you hate taking orders.

"Man that must suck"

"It really does"

You noticed that he wasn't heading back to his dorm so you curiously asked him where he was going.

"Oh I'm also heading to the mostro lounge"

"Really?"

"Yep. I want to try out their new menu that they have today"

"Ohh"

"Well let's go before your late"

"Right right!"

You both began your walk to the lounge in peaceful silence-well mostly you while you listened to cater rant about his day.

But while you two were walking your mind kept drifting off to you and him in a relationship. You could feel the tip of your ears burn as you imagine what it would be like to be in a relationship with him.

You kept thinking about when you would have the guts to tell him how you feel and because of that you didn't realize what you blurted out until it was too late.

"I like you"

"And then-huh?" You froze as your heart began beating against your chest and feeling like the world stopped.

"Oh…uh I-"

"Oh y/n…"

Oh no…I know that tone

"I'm sorry but-"

"Oh uh Look! We made it to the lounge! W-well I have to go now!"

"I- wait!"

You were gone.

You quickly rushed into the lounge with tears threatening to fall at any moment. You put your things away and quickly got to work. You tried your best to write down the orders and not cry like a baby in front of the customers but it was getting hard with cater in the lounge.

You really didn't want to take his order after what happened so you ordered one of the other students to take it while you were busy with another table.

"Y/n"

You turned to meet azul eyes and he instantly knew something was wrong.

"Meet me at the back"

"I'm fine azul, I-"

"Y/n" You sighed and gave the notebook and pen to the student that azul called over to take your place.

You both walked to the back and he made you sit down and tell him what was wrong.

That was when you finally broke down.

"I-I messed up! I told cater that I liked him but he- he doesn't feel the same!" His eyes softened and he took a seat next to you. He didn't know what to say so he spent the entire time calming you down as you cried on his shoulder.

He let you go early so you can rest and had someone take your place for the day. You were able to sneak past cater as azul told one of the students to distract him.

You silently made your way back to your dorm and mentally slapped yourself for slipping up and telling him.

"Fucking stupid'' you muttered as you open the door to your room.

You ignored cater after that. You felt embarrassed but most of all hurt. You switched your seat and made sure to not make contact with him in any way.

Cater of course was hurt by this. He tried to talk to you but you never answered his messages or calls and the twins would make sure he wouldn't be near you.

He tried everything he could but nothing. You didn't want to talk to him and the tweels made sure he wouldn't get near you.

A few weeks passed and he noticed that you haven't been attending classes lately. This obviously made him think something was wrong. He tried to get ace to talk to floyd during basketball practice but the first year always comes back with nothing.

He tried asking azul but then went against it knowing the boy wouldn't tell him.

Until one night, when he heard noises coming from the the heartsalbyul lounge. He quietly gets out of his room and makes his way to the lounge to see both riddle and trey talking.

"Did azul tell you?"

"Yes…he said she was getting worse but I didn't know it will go this bad"

Cater brows furrowed as he continued to listen closely.

"And how is she now?" Trey went silent and looked down on the floor.

"She sadly…didn't make it"

"What?!"

"Quiet down before someone hears!"

"S-sorry but…y/n didn't make it??!"

At this cater quickly comes out of his hiding spot which startled the two boys.

"What do you mean she didn't make it?"

"I-I…" trey avoided eye contact which caused cater to get mad.

"What do you mean trey?" Both of them were silent until trey spoke up.

"Y/n…has been sick for a while"

"And she hasn't been feeling well"

"And azul just called and said that…she passed away"

His eyes widened and he covered his mouth in shock. Not believing it.

"H-how?!"

This time riddle spoke up.

"Because you rejected her love for you"

"Y/n had a curse going on in her family that kills them if the person they love doesn't love them back"

"She…dead?"

Cater's heart broke that night as he drowned in the guilt of your death.

ACE TRAPPOLLA

Ace and deuce were the first friends you ever made when you came to twisted wonderland. You felt nice having at least someone to talk to and hang out with as Crowley "tries" to find a way for you to go back home.

But even as the months went by you started to slowly make new friends during your stay in twisted wonderland. Crowley still hasn't found a way to send you back home but you weren't upset about it. You felt kinda…glad in a way to be able to stay here longer.

And why is that?

Because you fell for Ace trappolla.

You didn't know when your feelings for the trouble making first year bloom but all you know is that you love him.

His eyes, smile, jokes, and that cute heart on his eye has you squealing like a middle school girl.

You like how he flirts with you when you guys and the other first years would hang out. You would flirt back and it would just be you and Ace flirting back and forth as the others just get annoyed by the two of you.

Deuce, epel and grim would be the victims who would have to suffer hours of you gushing about Ace when they come over.

Which is what you were doing now.

"He looked so cool during basketball practice!" You say as deuce just nods while epel makes a gagging face along with grin.

"Ew gross"

"Your totally going boy crazy"

"Am not!" You say as you throw your pillow at epel.

"Just confess already! I'm getting tired of hearing you talk about Ace all the time and I have to hear about him everyday back at the dorm" Deuce sighs as he flops face first on your bed.

"As if it that easy"

"What? Scared he'll reject you?" Epel teases and you throw another pillow in his direction.

"No! It's just…I- okay maybe yes"

"I don't get what you're so afraid of. I mean Ace always flirts with you every chance he gets so that might be a sign he into you"

"Yeah! He's definitely hitting on you with all that flirting!"

"They're right!"

You sat there unsure about the whole thing. You didn't want to get your hopes up and possibly embarrassed yourself and ruin everything.

"Mm…still not sure"

"Don't get too stressed about it y/n. You can always decide when you know he feels the same" You smiled at deuce before nodding.

"Yeah…you're right"

"Well can we go watch a movie now?"

"Yeah! I just want to eat snacks instead of talking about crushes!" You rolled your eyes and grabbed the bag of snacks from off the floor.

"Fine fine"

"So did anyone do the homework for professor trein class?" Ace asked the moment you guys sat down.

"Uhh yeah and your not getting the answers"

"Oh C'mon man!"

"You should've done it" you say as you were eating your food.

"I was busy"

"Busy with what?" Jack said with a confused look.

"I was busy okay? And plus I fell asleep during his lecture so I'm pretty lost"

"Well that sounds like a you problem" He groans before sitting down and taking a bite of his meal.

"You guys are mean"

You chuckle and continue eating your food while the rest talk amongst themselves.

The day went by quickly and you along with grim started making y'alls way back to ramshackles. You were pretty tired and wanted nothing more than to lay on your bed and sleep.

"Ahh finally back!"

You both made your way upstairs and grim plops down on the bed while you started working on the homework for one of your classes.

But while in the middle of doing your homework your mind started to wander off.

No one knew about your family curse, not even your closest friends. And if Ace were to ever reject you then what? How could you possibly go on about your day in pain? Not trying to look suspicious or make it look like something is wrong.

All these were starting to make you feel sick. The anxiety was all too much for you.

You sigh and decide to finish your homework tomorrow morning. For now you will just shower and get some rest.

It Was 5 am and you couldn't get any sleep throughout the whole night. You kept tossing and turning which made grim wake up and get mad at you for disturbing his sleep.

You sigh and get up to get ready for the day. You started working on the homework you couldn't finish to pass by time until school starts.

Ding

You looked at your phone and saw that you got a message from the group chat you and the first years created.

Guys hurry to the lunch room after class

It was from Ace. You then started typing back a response as the others got online.

Why?

Because I have something to tell you all!

Tell us what exactly?

You will know when I tell you in the cafeteria

You didn't know why but his message gave you a bad feeling. You shrugged it off and noticed that it was almost time until classes started so you quickly woke up grim to get ready for the day.

Lunch rolled around fast and you,Deuce, grim and epel quickly walked in the lunchroom to meet up with the others. You spotted them and you four made your way to the table.

"Ah finally!"

"Okay let's get this shit over with, what do you want to tell us?"

Ace took a deep breath before letting it out.

"I got a girlfriend!"

It felt like time stopped and your smile almost went away but you quickly composed yourself before congratulating him.

"That good ace!" It wasn't good.

"That's nice but did you really have to make it a big deal?" Jack asked.

"Yeah you made it look like an emergency" Ace rolled his eyes at sebek.

"Of course it was an emergency! I scored myself a beautiful girlfriend!" You clenched your fists and quickly got up from your seat grabbing everyone's attention.

"I have to go use the restroom, I'll be right back"

And you quickly ran out of the cafeteria with tears spilling out. Grim ran after you while both deuce and epel excused themselves.

"I forgot something in the classroom, I'll be right back!"

"Yeah same!"

Both then quickly ran out the doors of the cafeteria and went to look for you.

After what seemed like years they finally found you and grim in an empty classroom.

"Oh y/n…" epel closed the door as deuce started comforting your crying figure.

"I-Im fine…I shouldn't make a big deal out of this!" You say as more tears started sliding down your cheeks.

"W-we didn't know he had a girlfriend!" Epel says as he tries to also comfort you.

"It's fine epel…I should just forget about it and move on"

But you couldn't. You loved Ace and now that he has a girlfriend you feel dead inside.

This is now the beginning of the curse

In a month, you already started feeling very sick and weak. You couldn't go a day without your heart arching in pain.

While your friends went about their day clueless about this whole situation you suffered in silence.

You told grim at some point and he did everything he can to help ease your pain. But you just got worse overtime. You started eating less, not getting enough sleep, and getting more frequent nose bleeds.

You tried to stay strong but it was getting to be too much for you.

Until one day you gave up.

"Y/n!" Everyone in the cafeteria turned to look as you collapsed to the ground and your friends hurriedly surrounded you in panic. Nose bleeding and you not responding had everyone in the lunchroom running out to get help.

"Someone call the ambulance!"

"Y/n wake up! Wake up!"

As this was going on grim just watched everything unfold and he knew what just happened.

You were gone…

DEUCE SPADE

You liked deuce because he was so kind and funny. He would do anything to help his friends and wants to make his mom proud. And all that caused you to fall in love with him.

Just everything about him made you feel like a fool in love.

Poor ace would have to suffer the hours of you fawning over his friend and dorm mate.

"Gah, at this point your head over heels for deucey deuce"

"I am" You said with awe as you continued to talk about him more.

"Say, I can be your wingman!"

"Huh"

"I can help you get with deuce!" This piques your interest and you give it a good thought.

"Hey…that not bad"

"I'll basically play cupid" He pretended to have an arrow and shoot it at you with a wink.

"Easy!"

"Still not sure"

Before he could say anything, he was interrupted by your bedroom door being opened.

"Hurry up and come downstairs! The movie is about to start!" Epel shouts as he then quickly makes his way downstairs.

"Well let's hurry before they start it without us"

"Oo I smell something good downstairs! Move!" You scoff as he pushes past you and runs downstairs.

"Rude"

Your family curse was something you hated for years. Not being able to love more than once and then dying right after was harsh.

You hated it every time your father warned you to be careful. You just wanted to be normal. Being able to love someone without fearing for your life. You always dreamed about the perfect fairytale love life that you see in movies or cartoons. You always felt jealous of the girls your age back in your world who could love anyone they want or get rejected or heartbroken without dying.

Even if they do get heartbroken or rejected they can always move on. But you, you can't do that. One simple no and you're dying of heartbreak.

And you hate it

The only one you trust with this is Ace and Jack. They were the first ones to know when you accidentally blurted it out during a group project.

Those two kept your curse a secret and would always comfort you while you would cry about how unfair your life is.

But even with this curse, you still smile and have hope for you and deuce.

"Did we lose him?!" Ace whispered shouted as you both were currently hiding in some bushes.

"I think so" You took a deep breath before letting it out and calming your breathing.

"I knew I shouldn't have come visit your basketball practice"

"Hey!"

"Shh, quiet down! He might be nearby" You both stayed silent until you felt a hand on your shoulder.

"Ow! Ace let go of my shoulder!"

"What? You let go of me!"

"I'm not even grabbing your shoulder!"

"I'm not either!"

You suddenly gasp when you notice that it wasn't ace's hand. You both slowly looked up to see floyd giving you both a creepy smile.

"Gotcha~"

"AHH!"

"Floyd! Stop scaring the first years!"

"Aww c'mon Jamil! It's fun!" The scarabia vice housewarden sighs as he pulls floyd away from you two.

"Sorry about that. Floyd can be too much sometimes" He apologies while you just awkwardly rubbed your arm.

"It's fine!"

"Hey how come you ain't apologizing to me?!"

Jamil gives him a deadpan look before dragging both floyd and ace back to practice.

"Sorry once again!"

You smiled as you see ace whine while floyd just makes fun of him.

"Dorks"

You decided it was time to go back to ramshackles since you needed to clean a bit and cook food for you and grim. You finally made it back and as you were about to open the door, the door slams opened.

"Finally!"

"Were you waiting for me?" You ask as you walk past him.

"Huh? No!"

He follows after you as you make your way to the kitchen.

"Where were you anyway?"

"I thought I told you?"

"You didn't"

"I went to watch ace basketball practice. Which went wrong"

"What why?" You started searching for any ingredients you have laying around to make something for the both of you.

"Ace thought it was a good idea to prank floyd which went wrong and so we spent a good 10 minutes running and hiding from floyd"

He was silent for a moment before letting out a loud laugh that made you jump.

"Haha! That's what you guys get!"

"It was all Ace okay?!"

He just continues to laugh as you start to heat up in embarrassment.

"Shut up!"

As he continues to laugh you suddenly receive a message. You grab your phone and see that Kamil texted you.

Hii y/n! I just wanted to let you know that I'm hosting a party this week and I want you and grim to come!

You smile before quickly texting back.

Hii Kamil! And I'll definitely be at that party!

Awesome! I can't wait to see you! Oh! And it will be at 6!:D

"Who was it?"

"Kamil. He hosting another party this weekend and he invited us"

"Yahoo! We'll definitely be there!" He cheered as he then starts talking about all the food that was going to be there. You playfully rolled your eyes and continued looking for ingredients for tonight's meal.

It Was finally Friday and you couldn't wait for the party tomorrow. You were in your last class of the day along with epel and sebek.

"Eh?! Vil is not letting you go?"

"No. All because I said that his makeup didn't look good today" You had your hand covering your mouth trying not to laugh while sebek just let out an annoyed sigh.

"I'm still going though!"

"Course you would"

"Epel, y/n, quiet down" You apologize while epel scowl. You both continued talking but whispering to not get called out again. Class finished and you all went separate ways.

"Grim!" You say when you see your furry companion coming out of his class.

"Let's go home! I'm tired"

"When are you not tired" you say as you carry him back to ramshackles.

Saturday night came by fast and you were already done getting ready for kalim party. A knock downstairs made you quickly add finishing touches before going to see who was at the door.

You opened the door to see the adeuce duo standing in front of you.

"Finally! We were- oh wow, you look nice"

"Thank you"

"You look pretty y/n" Deuce said which gave you butterflies.

"Thanks deuce"

"Well let's hurry before we're late" You nod before going to go get your furry friend.

"Grim! We're about to leave!"

"I'm here!" Once grim was there you all made your way to scarabia.

The party was amazing. The moment you got there you would've swore your eardrums pop by the loud music that was playing all over the dorm. Kalim greeted you all and said to have fun before running to go dance.

You met up with the others and you all had fun. You enjoyed yourself and would get pulled to go dance with your friends.

But that happiness didn't stay for long. You notice that Ace and deuce were nowhere to be found so you excuse yourself to go look for them.

You made your way down the halls of scarabia looking for the two until you finally found them talking in one of the balconies.

"So what do you think of y/n?" You stop when you hear your name and decide to eavesdrop.

"Huh what do you mean?"

"I mean how do you feel about y/n? Any romantic feelings" He says while wiggling his eyebrows. Deuce just scoffs and playfully punches his arm.

"No. I just see y/n as a friend. Maybe even a sister" the moment he said that your heart dropped. Ace's face went pale when he saw you behind one of the pillars listening to their conversations and he started to stutter.

"O-oh! Okay uhhh soo no romantic feelings?"

"Dude, I already said no. Plus I already like someone" his eyes widened even more and he looked at deuce than back to you. He could see you looked heart broken by that and he felt shitty when he saw you run away.

"Oh! Okay great um well I have to go soo bye!"

Deuce was left confused but he shrugged it off before walking back downstairs to where the party was being held.

You ran out of scarabia as tears ran down your face. You couldn't believe it. Not only did he see you as a friend but a sister?! And what's worse is he likes someone too!

Your heart couldn't handle all this as you ran back to your dorm. You made it back and quickly ran to your room. You plop down on your bed and just sob onto your pillow as you finally let it all out.

Not even 5 minutes later you heard the door from your dorm slam open and footsteps rushing up the stairs and to your room.

"Y/n!"

Ace quickly makes his way to you and gently strokes your back as you cry on your pillow even more. You could tell ace wasn't the only one with you when you felt Jack tail.

"What even happened?" Ace sighs and starts telling him about the situation. Jack was disappointed to say the least but also tried calming you down.

After that night, you went into a deep depression. You ignored everyone and didn't speak or make contact with anyone. You were heartbroken and all you wanted was to be left alone.

But the one person you mainly ignored was deuce. You didn't speak or even look at him as the days went on. He was confused and worried that he may have done something wrong. The others except for ace and jack were also worried and wondered what happened that made you so distant.

Ace and Jack both knew what was happening and tried their absolute best to help you. They were there when you started growing weaker as the days passed by. You felt your chest hurt and body grow weak as your curse started to fully take effect. You would be found throwing up blood and have frequent headaches that made you want to end it all.

You couldn't do it. The pain was too much. And both ace and jack knew that. They saw how tired you were getting and they knew it was a matter of time before you were gone.

The pain in your heart was everything your family described. Horrible, torture, and hell.

All you ever wanted in life was to be normal and find true love. But guess you were never lucky in life.

You cried as you noticed your vision getting blurry and you couldn't breathe any longer. The pain was too much for your poor little heart to handle.

And so you finally accepted your fate.

"Is everything okay? You've been in the bathroom for a while now. And I have to brush my teeth!"

But no answer. Grim couldn't stay patient for long and opened the door.

"I'm coming in! Henchmen what is taking you so- Y/n?" The moment he sees you laid down in the ground he frowns.

"This isn't funny y/n" He goes up to you and the moment his paw makes contact with your face he froze.

"Cold"

The staff and ambulances were called to ramshackles after grim let out a loud scream. Seeing the commotion that was happening outside of ramshackles had students outside to see what was going on.

"Grim!" The first years quickly ran to grim who was shaken up by what he saw in the bathroom.

"What happened?!"

"Are you okay?!"

"Are you hurt?!"

"Where y/n?"

He ignored everyone and just curled up in the blanket that one of the paramedics gave him.

But two first year students already had an idea about what just happened and all they could do was stare at the ground.

"She gone…"

The end♡

Anyway hope you guys like this! I had to write each character in different days cuz I was being lazy😓

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detective-inspector-her · 2 months

Text

This is a rough draft for a new au

Having wings was weird for her. Hers weren't big, yet, but apparently, they grew with her magic. The more magic she learnt the bigger they'd get, which wasn't a comforting thought when she had to hide them from her parents.

However, Skulduggery had said that you could shrink them with enough practice, which explained why she'd never been able to see Sorcerers before. They were hiding.

Valkyrie stood on the edge of a building with Skulduggery. He said that he wanted to teach her how to fly. She was sceptical. The skeleton was flightless because his feathers had been burnt off during the war. Something that was whispered in horror.

Valkyrie had quickly learnt that having wings was sacred to Sorcerers and to have them clipped, ripped or burnt off was a fate worse than death and an atrocity that couldn't be forgiven. When she'd accidentally burnt her wing while practising creating a flame, Tanith had freaked out and taken her to Kenspeckle. The old man had told her she was overreacting surprisingly enough.

Besides those with wings of flightless birds like Tome had, Skulduggery was unique in his lack of flight. He would have gotten pity for it if it weren't for how efficient he was anyway. He was feared for his lack of flight because Sorcerers, stupidly, never looked down from the air.

"So how are you going to teach me how to fly?"

The skeleton's bony wings flexed, creating cracking sounds that made Valkyrie's hair stand on edge, "Do you know how birds fly?"

"No, I've never really paid attention." She blinked, "Is this why Gordon had such a fascination with birds?"

"It's taken you two months to figure that out," Skulduggery said, unimpressed.

"Shut up," She thought back, "He said something about it being because of hollow bones but my bones aren't hollow... Are they?"

Skulduggery laughed, "No, the magic stops that and lets us fly without the normal requirements. We'll try to get you to hover before anything drastic-"

"Because you can't save me if I fall?"

"Because you're an idiot who needs to be taught instead of being naturally good at it," The skeleton patted her head and Valkyrie glared. She deserved that, "Now bend your legs and get ready to just jump forward."

He moved behind her to position her wings. Valkyrie trusted him on this, he'd had crow wings like her before his death so she knew he knew what he was doing.

"What if I can't fly?"

"Then we'll be a flightless duo, we'll be terrifying. Push off,"

With one leap, Valkyrie pushed upward, her eyes closed. She flapped her wings as she'd been practising since they came in. Her feet left the ground and stayed there. She cracked an eye open to find herself hovering above the roof. She laughed and her concentration slipped, her wings stopped flapping and she landed back on the roof with a yelp.

Skulduggery lifted her up and patted her down, dust falling off her, "For your first try that went remarkably well!"

"Really?"

"God no that was terrible. You need to remember that your wings are like your magic, until it becomes instinct, you need to focus constantly." He sighed at Valkyrie's expression, "You'll get there. You could always jump off the building and see where that gets you."

Valkyrie shoved him and put her coat back on, hiding the wings from view, "That's a great idea, why don't you do the same?"

Skulduggery elbowed her out of the way, "You're asking to walk home."

"Wait, no, I'm sorry." She was not letting him leave her two hours away from Haggard. The last time he'd down that, Tanith had picked her up and flew her home.

Tanith was a very reckless flyer.

#skulduggery pleasant #valkyrie cain #Winged AU

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nyxiswrites1200 · 8 months

Note

For the pairing and number thing, could I ask for #64 and #66 with a gender neutral reader for Asra from the Arcana? Just a very cute SFW fanfic would be nice 🥹. Anyways, I love your work 👉👈🥹💞

✦ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏 ✦

Asra (The Arcana) x GN!Reader

Mentions: Asra (He/They) pronouns

An: Hello babes! Finally getting to some of my requests <33 thank you for your request, here's that fluffy fic for you. I don't think this is that good

----

When Asra awoke to find one of his potions spilled on the floor. He knew it could only be one culprit. It wasn't Faust for sure and he highly doubts Julian broke in last night.

His eyes narrowed towards his dearest partner's room. Asra wasn't mad, but they sure did love to mess with you.

Asra stalked his way up to your shared space with him. He gently pushed open the door, his eyes scanning over your still figure on the bed.

"Darling" he gently acknowledged as he swept over to your bedside, taking a seat there. "Did you make a mess this morning?" They inquire, but you don't budge.

You actually weren't even asleep...you just couldn't face Asra with the fact you spilled something that might have been important.

"I know you're awake darling" he chuckled but you still didn't budge. Asra sighs as a fox-like smirk comes to his lips.

"Are you ticklish, love?" He whispers before his hands are at your sides. You can't contain your immediate squirm and laugh. "Asra! Asra, stop!" You shout playfully with another laugh as you push his hands away.

Asra smirks down at you "Ignoring me?" He inquires.

"I felt bad...I didn't know what to say" you sigh and frown a little. "You know, I'm not mad...right?" He spoke softly as he took your hand and kissed the back of it. "It's just a little mess, nothing worth getting upset over" he smiled reassuringly.

You felt your face heat up at his comfort before sighing. "But it was still stupid, I should have paid more attention" you groan "Maybe you should have found a partner who wasn't such an idiot".

Asra scoffed as he gave you that signature fox look. "You're all I want, darling. My other half, you should know that better than anyone" He smiled warmly. You can't help believe him.

"Now, we're going to clean up this mess and how about we make breakfast together, hm?" He smiled as he pulled you to his chest, kissing your cheek.

"Okay..." You respond with a warm smile.

"That's my darling, and then I can teach you to make that potion you spilled" he smirked.

"Of course" you groan playfully.

#fanfic writer #my writing #reader insert #the arcana #asra the arcana #asra alnazar #asra x reader #asra x apprentice #reader is gender neutral #fluff #comfort #requests open #ask response

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hocuspocusbabyy · 4 months

Text

Learn to love it:

A Fic request from @selfcestmovies who also provided the beautiful cover art ⬇️

Rating: 18+ (E)

Pairing: Young Agatha Harkness x Older Agatha Harkness

Warnings: Public sex, faint daddy kink, alcohol consumption, selfcest.

Agatha needed a drink. Like a real fucking drink, one paid for by some seedy guy at a bar that she didn't know the name of. The kind of guy that made her skin crawl, but then again enough seedy guys and free drinks the crawling starts to feel more like a shiver, something almost bearable. She waltzed up to the bar crop top and leather jeans, heeled boots helping her view the liquor available for selection. Rows upon rows of brightly stained glass form every country imaginable, every poison available to her. The light seemed to catch a dusty bottle in the back corner with the image of a green fairy catching her eye - the young woman was taken back to her time in Paris, with her... Agatha swallowed thickly flagging down the bartender with the flick of her perfectly painted black nails.

Thinking about her always had this effect, which often led to drinking, drinking into forgetting. Though how else would one forget themselves? Lose how perfectly their reflection moved without influence. Free for viewing, a wilderness many would never experience. Agatha longed for the nights where her shadow split in two.

Three years ago…

She rests her hand on the stained bar, intersecting circles left behind from long-ago drinks. Green absinthe poured into a glass, a cube of sugar floating above it. Agatha watched as the barkeep meticulously dripped water over the club till it dissolved into a sugary film.

She turned to face the room, glass in hand, balanced between her slim fingers. There are couples curled together in dark corners, there are writhing bodies against one wall, moans of pleasure dampened by indie music from the band upstairs. The pool room catches her eyes, round five men were arguing over-rules and tactics, it would be easy prey for her to get a few games in at their expense. She loved to hustle, after all, she was just an innocent girl who needed a man to teach her how to play - right?

"Princess!" Agatha looked towards the noise and grimaced, "We see you over there, come play doubles with us," Some taller button-down wearing nobody shouts from where he's crammed into the pool room with his two friends all three dripping with their own apparently sleaze as they eyed Agatha up and down. The brunette merely smiled, she could practically smell the trio from where she stood all cheap beer, too much clone and bad dental plans. The perfect targets for a couple of free drinks and a pool hustle.

Agatha pulls on her best sickeningly sweet smile, giggling childishly "oh I don't know fellas, I'm not very good" she plays with a strand of her hair, walking towards the pool room. The men now grinning between themselves, elbows nudging, drinks spilling.

"I'd hate for you to lose, because of me" Agatha continued as she reached the table swinging her knees together, the perfect image of innocence to lure these idiots into a false sense of security.

"Not a problem Sweetheart." One particularly potent blonde states swinging an arm over the brunette and smiling, his eyes most definitely fixating a little too often in her breasts as he spoke. "You'll be playing with me and well— I won't lose." He winks, nudging her lightly and the other two set up the game, howling like dogs to support his claims.

"Oh well." Agatha tutted, fighting the desire to roll her eyes, "I guess you wouldn't mind us playing one on one then? Make things fair?" She asks, fluttering her eyelashes adorably.

The blonde laughs looking at his friends like a dog in heat, scratching his stubbled jaw pretending to think about it. "You know what gorgeous, you're on I'll even bet on it." He states cockily slamming down a $50 on the table.

Agatha cocks her brow slightly, surprised at his confidence just knowing how much more fun it will be even if she eventually beats him. Sliding a hand into her own back pocket, not ignorant to the way all three men followed her hand like a magnet, the brunette placed her own $50 onto the table - $100 on the line, easy money she grinned.

"Alrighty then," Agatha started, downing the last of her drink and dumping her empty glass in one of the nameless hands. She bit her lip, making a show of eyeing up the cues, weighting one in each hand before choosing her own to chalk up. "But take it easy on me." She winks, her voice dripping like honey as the blonde bends down to break the table and start the game.

"You got it, princess." He grins as he takes aim to pot a striped ball by bouncing it off the top left corner rather than the solid straight shot in front of him. Obviously trying to show off. He potted but missed on the second go, sighing heavily and calling himself a twat, something that Agatha was honestly inclined to agree with.

Agatha watched the move, and grinned to herself - men were so predictable she thought, shaking her head. Bending over the table, the brunette lined up her first shot, shifting a solid red ball from the bottom left of the table into the top right corner with ease. The cue gliding gently between her fingers, the chipped black polish tips pressing gently into the green.

"Nice" one of the men stated at the ball potted, earning the glare from his friend.

"Beginners luck" she shrugged, bending over the table again to line up her next shot. The blonde watching with amusement knowing she was blocked by his stripped ball. The brunette smiled at the smugness before aimed over the ball, switching down at the last second so that the ball chipped and bounced over the blondes own, potting.

"Fuck" the blonde muttered shocked, each of his friends looking a similar shade of blue, the realisation they had been sharked dawning on them.

Agatha grinned at the shot, making a show of standing back up, slowly drawing her hand back up her cue before leaning on it - cocking her hip.

"What's the matter, boys? Haven't you seen someone chip in pool before?" She grinned, watching the blonde man panic about where to place his next shot. The brunette smirked at the scene, each man looking a little more heated and well- sweaty knowing Agatha could actually play pool.

The blonde missed his shot, potting the white, and the game contained on. All the while Agatha couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched... She was used to the attention, especially in bars like this one after all she was the only thing in the place that was washed within the last 72 hours. Not to say that she wasn't pretty, Agatha knows she was- is hot, but attraction and looks in this place really was second to inebriation and stimulation.

But this feeling was different, it was warm and cold all at the same time - it made the hair of her arm stand on edge. It felt familiar. As though standing in the plains between mirrors - two ways.

She took a chance glancing over her shoulder as she lined up her next shot, but missed for the first time that night when she was met by the most perfect eyes she'd ever seen in her life. Ones she'd seen everyday since birth.

The older woman sat at the bar, perfect legs crossed intensely watching the pool game from across the room. She had a high set of cheekbones coloured by the dark light in the room. A sharp jawline that could probably cut skin if you touched it just right, and then that regal slope of a nose enough for Agatha’s fingers to itch around her cue. Suddenly desperate for a pen, a paintbrush, anything to depict such beauty on a substantial thing - the walls would do. Her lips plump, the bottom one pulled between two rows of perfectly white pearly teeth as her gaze flicked up and down her body - causing a shiver.

Her shoulders sloped into toned arms that rested against the bar behind her, the stretched elder relaxed stance complimenting her slender neck, the Agatha couldn't help but lick her lips at the pale white flesh like a river after months of drought.

She was exactly how she’d always imagined herself and she was waiting.

Agatha couldn't think of a better canvas for her art, the mystery replicas battered, brushed and bitten skin the paint, and Agatha mouth the brush creating the most perfectly arousing mosaic of pinks, reds, purples...

Piercing blue eyes boring into hers with an intensity that sends shivers down her spine. The woman is smirking at her, as Agatha realises she missed her shot. The trio of men all cheered with relief.

Agatha suddenly feels extremely flustered as those blue eyes travel from her face and downwards. They fixate on her cleavage for several seconds, and when a pink tongue pokes out to lick at those plump lips, Agatha gulps.

The replica’s eyes continue to flicker over her without her consent and she sighed, lining up her next shot. She was wreaking havoc on her pool game. Her gaze switches from the tempting replica to the trio of baboons she had the displeasure of playing pool with; wanting nothing more at that moment to take their money and buy that variant a drink. Not that a woman like that would give her time the time of day. She shot, potting her final ball and looked around ready to line up the black and finish the game.

A corpus of groans emitting from the men around her, that quickly turned to giggles as they realised they'd snookered her. Two stripped balls balling her final shot at the black. Agatha sighed, standing straight and perusing the table for any possible chance to take a winning shot. It was tuff but not impossible, not if she got her angle right.

Leaning over, Agatha took her time ribs resting delicately on the table as she lined up the shot. However, Before she realises what's happening a body is behind her, a hand gripping at her lower hip, dangerously close to her backside. A slender hand running up her arm slowly. The action sent a series of goosebumps all over the brunette's skin. Agatha gulped audibly, tilting her head to see the replicas from the bar now stood beside her, their hips sinfully aligned, as a curtain of red consumed her and voice graced her ear.

"Why don't you show these idiots what's what, pot that final ball and meet me in the bathroom honey?" The replicas smirked, obviously amused by the startled look on Agatha 's face at their close proximity. The replica's gaze flicks up at the view of the men in the room, grinning before she leans down to bite the shell of her ear gently, teasing the skin and flicking it with her tongue before pulling away - making a true show of things. Staking her apparent claim.

The brunette gasps at the sensation, the two still pressed together against the table in this very public pool room.

"Thank you for taking such good care of my girl here, gentlemen I'm sorry you couldn't beat her." She winks taking in the men around them, tapping Agatha arse lightly with her palm before she straightens her back and walks off back towards the bar and aforementioned bathroom.

Agatha practically shook, grinning as she takes her final shot, potting the black and grasping the $100 from the table; stuffing it in her back pocket. "Good game fellas" she smiles, practically throwing her cue at one of them, "but if you will excuse me" she doesn't wait for an answer as she turns in her heels and rushed off in the direction of her replica.

All three of the men left stood high and dry, their jaws slack, clutching their pool cues - all a little more worked up about the show the two women had put on for them than losing $100.

She stumbles for a few steps before catching herself on shaky legs, swallowing several times as she manages to straighten herself out, rolling back her shoulders fluffing her hair lightly. The last few steps to the door are excruciatingly slow, and her hand trembles as she reaches the poorly eliminated sign of a feminine gender sign. Its glow now tainted a dull brown from years of long hours and dead flys collecting at the bottom of the bulb.

Her fingers wrap around the handle; she took a moment for herself, drawing in a series of deep long breaths. Pulling till she hears it click and jerk down, sliding open with a creak a mass of sawdust collecting along the bottom from the floor. Before Agatha can talk herself out of it, she slips inside and closes the door smoothly - there's no lock she notes as her palm lays flat against the wood pressing it undeniably shut.

"I was beginning to think you weren't coming"

Agatha has to shut her eyes at the sound. Every part of her was suddenly alert and on edge, her back still to the voice. The brunette couldn't help he wonder if this was what it was like for those who faced Medusa on Sarpedon; the fearful temptation all the more overwhelming that with the promise of ethereal beauty they just had to sneak a peak - despite the consequences.

She turns around slowly, letting her eyes flutter open to land on the old woman leaning over the sink on the other side of the bathroom. She was even more gorgeous in this light, one leg propped up against the counter, a hand raised to check her makeup and then another crossed over her chest, her features bathed in the harsh fluorescent glow of the flickering light bulbs above the sink.

"Well with a proposition like that, how could I not?" Agatha gave with a laugh, The replicas' eyes gliding over the brunettes reflected features in the mirror-like a predator.

"Humm how could you indeed." The other woman hummed finally turning towards the younger woman. Her back pressed against the bathroom counter, arms places behind her to hold the dominant stance. Half drank a glass of whiskey beside her. "did you win?"

"of course I did" Agatha states proudly, almost offended at that idea she may not have.

"I've been watching you little one." The replica started sucking her teeth audibly, "But you already knew that, didn't you?"

Her eyebrow quirks, lips twitching into an almost unnoticeable smirk.

The term left her lips and Agatha could instantly feel the ache between her legs grow unmistakably. She presses her legs together, swallowing thickly, before nodding her head. Having an attraction to one’s self was natural surly? Having the ability to act on it… another.

"Use your words, sweetness." The replica's smirk grows, and she pushes away from the door to take a tentative step towards Agatha . "I couldn't possibly give you what we want, without your verbal consent." Her perfectly wet tongue peaking out to dampen her lips. The telltale signs of her teeth were imprinted on the delicate skin.

Agatha had to fight not to lose her balance, the closer the woman came the harder it was for her to maintain her composure - a faint yet sharp fragrance of pomegranates and bourbon consumed her. A small moan leaving her lips as her eyes flicked up to meet a familiar blue, never in her life had being asked for consent been such a turn on. She supposed the older woman had the advantage of experience, she knew what you liked better than you ever could, would… she would always be one step ahead.

"Yes." Agatha chokes out, her back slowly moulding to the wall as the replica steps closer to her, barely an inch each time. "Yes, I could feel you watc—watching me." The older woman leans in to tuck a lock of hair behind Agatha's ear and she hummed softly at the response. The air between them is thick with tension, her gaze falling down to the younger woman's lips, licking her own before returning her gaze to her younger self.

"And is that why you're here sweetness? Because you enjoy me watching you?" She teased leaning, a hand on either side of the brunettes head, her nose running along the a-line of the taller woman's neck. Agatha a faucet, a drowning mess beneath her.

"Yes," Agatha whispers, a small smile reaching her lips as her mind begins to calm down, two could play this game. "All night," she graces, blue eyes flitting down to the copy’s lips, "I couldn't stop thinking about you kissing me." She reaches up, unclamping her clammy fist to stroke a thumb across the older woman's lower lip. "Touching me."

It’s all she could think about really, ever since last semester when they had come across a spell to attract variants. The opportunity to see yourself in every reality, the rest of the class had buzzed with the concept of questioning, learning from their future and past self through every plain of existence. Agatha however, hadn’t been able to shake the feeling, the idea of enjoying herself further. How could anyone satisfy them better than themselves?

The replica whimpered then laughed. Taking a final step, now pressed flush against Agatha , pressing her lightly against the door. She's warm and soft - softer than Agatha would expect with all those lean muscles on down - subconsciously Agatha arched into the touch. The soft silk material of her dress pressing against the exposed skin of her torsos, the older woman's hands run down along the wall, tracing the outline of Agatha 's body behind her.

"What else?" The woman's lips ghost across Agatha 's cheek, her breath like the wind against her heated skin.

"Fucking me." The brunettes breaths leaning in to graze her teeth against the shorter woman's earlobe.

"All you had to do was ask." The replica grins, surging forward, capturing Agatha 's lips with her own. Fused shades of lipstick, saliva, an audition of new touch, noise. A sensation that sets their bodies alight.

Her hands coming up to grasp Agatha 's hips firmly as she pushes her harder against the door. A moan breaks out between them as their hips grind together. Agatha tangles her fingers into the thick straight red hair tugs hard until the old woman grins and licks into her mouth tugging roughly at the flesh of her arse.

The wet glide of the replicas's tongue against hers sends Agatha reeling, and her moan is deliciously filthy as the brunette's hand slides up to cup her breast. Strong fingers knead her roughly through her dress. A strong thigh comes to rest between her legs, black red bottoms pushing her feet aside

She tugs at Agatha 's hair, breaking the kiss with a sharp gasp as she arches her chest against her hand.

"Why'd— Why'd you stop?" Agatha breathed, their lips pulling away with an audibly smack, her chest heaving while the older woman still looked to be with the perfect state of grace. All but her eyes were now clouded, a dark film overcoming her earthy eyes like an ocean storm.

"Open your mouth." The replica states simply the hand in the brunette's hair drawing her head back so that her chin was pointed up.

Agatha complied, still a little confused until the older woman's hand comes to grasp her jaw their lips almost touch before she slowly spits down into her mouth.

The warm liquid hitting her tongue and rolling back down into her throat. Agatha moaned, untamed, grunting at the taste.

"Swallow" The copy whispered her tongue coming out to lick across the brunette lips as she closed them to swallow the other woman's essence, like the sweetest shot she'd ever tasted.

"Please" She croaks, voice rough and desperate, and the variant smirks in the most infuriatingly sexy way as she pulls back to stare at Agatha with hooded eyes.

"Please what, Little one?"

Instead of answering, Agatha pushes the woman back until she has control, or At least the illusion of which, pressing the replicas against the bathroom sink. One hand reaching to tug upon her dress, the other roughly shoving the straps aside to reveal a stiff, aching breast.

The replicas chuckled as she was suddenly engulfed by a warm, wet mouth. Agatha lavished her tongue against her nipple roughly before sucking on it, and she gasps feeling a gush of wetness between her legs. The brunette young and talented fingers teasing the waistband of her panties.

"Oh I knew we’d have fun, baby girl" She laughed, hissing lightly as Agatha’s teeth grazed against her breast. The brunette moaned against her skin as the nickname left her lips. "Humm, you liked that one? Huh? Baby girl?" The replicas hummed, repeating the endearment again.

Agatha pulled back a string of saliva stringing from her bottom lip and the other woman's breath, breathing heavily. Mouth agape, wet and wanting as she nodded hungrily.

"What's my name sweetness?" She asked with her hands raising the grasp on either side of the brunette face roughly, she had a feeling she'd respond to it well. Her thumbs pressing into her cheekbones, palms touching every crevice of her skin, fingers imprinting themselves along her jaw. "Say it and I'll give you everything you want."

The rasp of her voice was more intoxicating to Agatha at that moment than any other substance known to man; if she'd asked her to scream she'd scream, to get on her knees she'd crumble - Agatha Harkness was well and truly incapacitated by her older self.

"Daddy." She whispered, their lips brushing with every syllable, every shuddered breath.

"Good girl." The replicas smirked, kissing her lips quickly, hardly enough to quench either of their thrusts. Even as Agatha had her pressed against the counter in a public restroom she was still quite obviously the dominant one, completely in control of the situation as her hand ran down her torso to pop the top button of Agatha 's tight leather jeans.

"Can you stay quiet for my little one? We wouldn't want anyone to walk in and see just what a good little slut you are now would we?" She mocked, the brunette shaking her head fiercely as the replicas rewarded her with a kiss, her underwear uncomfortably wet. Like this woman, this goddess of a woman, who smelt like pomegranates, leather and tastes like expensive liquor; Agatha doesn't think she's ever tasted anything better.

She breaks away from the kiss for a second, gasping for air as she moves to suck and nip on the replicas' neck. The thought of leaving her possessive mark there, her undeniable claim had her trembling and clenching, and she can't stand being touched for another second.

"No marks baby. Not yet anyway" she smirks, as Agatha bites down at her neck drawing back to admire her work, using a thumb to clean her own face.

The brunette shrugs at her own disobedience, "Hardly anything there; and oh look, seems like I'm not the only one who's wet." Agatha giggles the final word falling from her lips with a thick tut of her teeth.

The replica tightens, her eyes visibly darken, a possessive groan emitting from her throat as her hand slipped into the younger woman's underwear. "Listen here brat." She whispers scowling lightly, "Keep that pretty mouth of yours shut and I'll fuck you so good you won't be about to walk straight, but keep it up with that little attitude and I'll leave you here, like the sopping mess you are understood?"

Agatha whimpers, the ghostly feeling of fingers brush against her clit.

"I said, am I an understood slut?" The woman repeats.

"Yes!" Agatha cries out tears forming at the idea of not being touched, "yes Daddy I'm sorry, I'll be good" is promises kissing the replica’s jaw for good measure, burying her face within the soft and welcoming flesh of her neck as she is finally given what she wants, those slender, elegant fingers finally gliding through her slick folds, parting her and dipping into her wetness.

It was everything she could have ever hoped for and more, there was a distant level of understanding or knowing that circled beneath each variant's skin. Heightened and maddening - how could anyone ever compete?

"God, Baby girl, you're so fucking wet" The older woman groans, tilting her head up to kiss Agatha 's neck as she strokes at her clit. Agatha shudders and bucks against her hand, desperate for more friction. The replicas' fingers slip down to her entrance, dipping just inside to tease her and gather more wetness, before moving back up to rub tight circles against the aching bud. Agatha cries out as sparks of pleasure shoot up her spine, and her knees buckle under her. The replicas steady her easily, pressing her into her body more firmly, her other hand coming up to grasp her thigh and pull it around her hip. The change of angle has Agatha silently crying out biting down on her own hand that grasps against the woman's shoulder, in an attempt to adhere to her orders.

"Would you rather me be gentle with you?" She whispers, taunting. Agatha could picture perfectly the smug look of faux confusion on her.

The brunette shook her head no, vigorously. The older woman chuckling darkly as She leaned forward, lips at her ear once more. Agatha whimpering involuntarily as the lobe of her ear was sucked in briefly. She bit her lip to stop herself from letting out noise at the sensation.

"You're doing so well baby," The other woman cooed, pulling back. Agatha groaning at the loss of warmth, before the hand inside her began to move in earnestly. Her pace was rough, unyielding. She pulled her finger out almost all the way out just to the tips, that circled her entrance before slamming back in, pounding in and out until Agatha lost all ability to form a coherent thought. One of her hands groped at the mystery woman's chest, pinching her nipple hard. She cried out, and Agatha grinned wickedly. She rewarded her lapse in control by moving the hand down her body, treating her clit with the same roughness as she did the rest of her.

The woman moaning throatily against her lips. Heaving Agatha 's thigh further up her hip, grip tight enough to leave bruises. Both women's hands working tirelessly.

"Oh, fuck daddy" Agatha sobs, clenching and fluttering wildly around the long digits, and she can't stop herself from bucking her hips, desperately trying to fuck herself on the talented fingers. The brunette sets a quick pace on her lover's clit, slick sounds filling the room as her hips thrust and the replicas's fingers pump into her swollen cunt, and soon both of them teetering on the edge of coming.

"Hold on baby, I want us to cum together," the replicas gasps, arching as Agatha leans down to take her nipple into her mouth again. She scratches her nails desperately against the brunette's scalp, and Agatha growls and biting down on the aching nipple.

The other woman circling her fingers, the stretch had Agatha 's spine arching and her whole body tensing as the replicas thrust faster and harder into her. When she curls her fingers deep inside her and drags them firmly against her swollen front wall Agatha screams, a desperate cry ripped from her chest. Her own thumb pressing firmly against the other woman's clit.

"Cum for me please" Agatha whispers, practically begging for her release while chasing the own. "Please Daddy" she whimpers bitting down on the other woman's lip until a familiar Natalia taste flooded her mouth.

Their orgasms hit together; a heat spending across their skin that flushed so bright they practically glowed as their bodies pressed together firmly - each woman clutching the other to them tightly. Their chests heaving, a mixture of giggles, moans, whimpers filling the room.

"Well fuck." The older variant flicked her head back from where it rested on Agatha 's shoulder, running a hand through sweaty yet annoying still perfect hair. "You're just full of surprises aren't you little one." She grinned, her tongue running along her teeth and lip cleaning up her own blood that had started to dry there. Then teasingly she removed her fingers and sucked them clean; the simultaneous taste of cum and blood filled her senses. "You taste amazing too, better than I ever dreamed."

Agatha laughed out her chest heaving, forehead pressed against the replica's collarbone. "Well, I aim to please." She winked, suddenly feeling excruciatingly thirsty. Her eyes flicker up to the mirror behind them over the replica's shoulder taking in her frankly destroyed appearance; her own lipstick and the other woman's spread across her face like spilt ink in an old painting. Her mouth was swollen and bitten almost blue; The only comfort being that the older woman looked just as thoroughly fucked too.

Her eyes flickered down to the replicas's forgotten malt drink, picking it up she took an indulgent sip humming slightly as the burn of liquor raced down her throat. The older woman's watched her intensely as the brunette raised the glass and suddenly drew a gasp from between her lips, the cool brown liquid new racing down her chest. The replicas grunted at the sudden burst of frost that hit her heated flesh, Agatha merely smirking before chasing the liquid with her tongue.

"Hmmm" Agatha made a sound of appreciable as she drank from upon the other woman's skin; begging sure to lick the flesh perfectly clean. Before raising her head, blue meeting blue.

"That was my drink." The older woman complains, a faux frown on her features and the younger woman grins.

"Oh, I'm sorry where are my manners?" She smirked raising the glass teasingly to the other woman, "here let's share." She continued pulling the glass back towards herself indulging in the final slip before grasping the back of the other woman's neck - connecting their lips and spilling the contents of her mouth in between her lips. The whiskey, their lips, silva and tongues mixing in a perfect serenade of sex and alcohol poisoning.

"Don't say I never gave you anything" Agatha whispers teasingly kissing the older woman's bruised lips before pulling away slightly. The replicas merely gazed at her in awe, her hand still groping at her hips and arse tightly. Agatha 's thumb swiping gently at the side of her face, to clean up the drizzle of alcohol that ran across her flesh. The brunette takes a moment to truly take the older woman in her blue eyes, flushed skin, her bloodied, bruised and cut lip.

Agatha tutted slightly reaching into the empty whiskey glass beside them to retrieve a piece of ice. Holding it up between them, the replicas cocked her brow in question before the brunette's free hand came to rest beneath her chin tilting up slightly before pressing the cool substance against her sore lip.

The replica hissing at the soothing yet stinging sensation; Agatha smirking slightly as she worked at nursing the other woman's lip with the ice gently, intensely focused on the broken flesh never looking away until satisfied with her work.

The other woman watched her closely, admiring the way the harsh light bounced off her soft auburn hair. The slope of her deep round cheekbones, the indentation of dimples clean upon her skin.

That's when she decided; This couldn't be a one-time thing. She had to see her again.

"There," Agatha stated, running her thumb gently across the broken lip, pulling it down slightly.

"You a nurse or something." The other woman's laugh, grasping the brunette's hand sharply before she could pull it away. Sucking her thumb into her mouth, tongue swirling around it delicately rehashing in the taste of her own dried essence.

"Or something" Agatha shrugged watching as her appendage pulses in between the replicas's lips; before drawing it with an audible pop.

"You think anyone heard us?"

"Oh most definitely, we'll have to work on their volume control little one." The older woman complains smirking, leaning down gently then slipped her own underwear off and into their palm before stand up straight again, a bundle of red lace handing off the index and pointer fingers.

"I'll go pay our tabs. Meet me outside, ten minutes." The replica ordered kissing the brunette quickly before drawing her mouth open with her tongue and stuff the underwear in. "In the meantime to keep that pretty little mouth quiet and busy, look after those for me."

Agatha moaned at the taste of the other woman against her tongue, the Lacey material scratching the roof of her mouth perfectly.

"Understandable baby? Clean up, mouth shut, outside ten minutes." She stated, kissing her forehead gently as Agatha nodded slowly, groaning around the fabric in her mouth. The replicas grinned wildly, pulling away with one final kiss on the younger woman's hair before exiting the bathroom. The image of excellence rather than someone who was just got fucked in a public bathroom.

Agatha watches her leave utterly perplexed at what had just happened, gazing at her reflection in the mirror, legs in steady as she grips the dirty porcelain sink. Her mouth filled with a mysterious woman's expensive underwear, legs slick with her own desire, fingers rained with another. She shivered all the utmost exhilarated at the thought of what could possibly happen next.

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